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Congressman Henry Cuellar released the following statement on President Trump’s request for $8.6 billion for the border wall in his proposed budget for fiscal year 2020: 

“President Trump’s request is simply short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible. Any budget that allocates billions towards a border wall is bad policy and an unacceptable waste of taxpayer dollars. 

“Congress has made it clear that it refuses to fund an unnecessary and expensive 14^th century wall. The President’s insistence over this funding has already proven itself futile: it resulted in a government shutdown, which hurt hundreds of thousands of citizens across the country. 

“My Democratic colleagues and I have stated, time and time again, that we support smart, effective border security. The President’s new request will make drastic cuts to key federal government programs and services, prolong federal deficits, and unnecessarily harm the American people. 

“I understand firsthand that a safe homeland starts with modern solutions that work including advanced technology, border personnel, and increased infrastructure at our ports of entry. As a member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Committee, I worked with members from both sides of the aisle to include funding and language that will secure the border in a much more effective way, and at a fraction of the cost. I will continue reaching across the aisle, supporting 21^st century security measures and protecting the welfare of the American people.”