WHEELING — U.S. Sen. Shelley Capito was the chairwoman on the subcommittee passage of a $55.15 billion Homeland Security Appropriations Bill being termed a “major down payment” on President Donald Trump’s call for a border wall system between America and Mexico.
Included in the measure approved Tuesday is $148 million specifically for stopping the flow of opioids across U.S. borders. Capito, R-W.Va., serves as chairwoman of the Senate Subcommittee on Homeland Security.
“We’ve seen so many illegal drugs flow across our borders, making their way into West Virginia communities and others across the country,” she said. “This legislation includes a number of measures to secure our borders and stop that illegal flow-both at points of entry and through other means.
“It provides $148 million specifically to support efforts to combat the opioid crisis — more than doubling the fiscal year 2018 amount. These funds will be used for things such as helping to upgrade mail facilities and improve inspection and detection capabilities for drugs coming through our mail system.”
The appropriations bill provides $14.3 billion overall for customs and border protection, which Capito calls a “major down payment” on the border security plan proposed by Trump. She said because this is an ongoing project and includes several components, “it is difficult to predict an exact expected cost.” The planned “wall” however doesn’t pertain to just physical infrastructure, but also involves a need for additional border agents, drones and technology, according to Capito.
“Protecting and securing our borders is something I have long been committed to achieving,” she said. “One way we can and will strengthen our border security is through a wall system.”
Capito and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., visited with Trump at the White House on Monday to discuss the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.
“After working closely with President Trump and meeting with him yesterday, it is clear that he remains committed to securing our borders and keeping Americans safe,” she said. “That is a goal we share, and I am without a doubt on the same page as him, especially when it comes to funding priorities for homeland security and strengthening our borders.”
The $55.15 billion allocation being considered for the Department of Homeland Security includes $48.33 billion in base discretionary funding.
The allocation is $611 million above this year’s allocation, and $900 million above the president’s budget request, according to information provided by Capito’s office. The Department of Homeland Security is charged with such duties as border security, disaster relief, transportation security, immigration enforcement and cybersecurity.