Freshman Rep. Katie Hill (D-CA) told CNN Friday that she is willing to vote for “some money for physical barriers,” as the 21st day of the partial government shutdown progressed.
"How can the White House, Republicans believe you 1,000 percent that you are going to give money on the wall when…Nancy Pelosi herself said no, zero dollars for the wall?" CNN’s Poppy Harlow wondered. “The way they say it is if you re-open, right, how do we know you’re going to give us any of this?”
“Do you think Democrats should give any money to the wall?” Harlow asked.
"I think there is a lot of talk about physical barriers of some kind," Hill replied. "Even President Trump isn't calling it a wall anymore. It is really so silly that we are even continuing to have this conversation about a wall."
Harlow followed up that Hill could call it what she wanted but her question was about whether Hill would vote to fund the building of some sort of barrier.
"I am definitely someone who will vote for a comprehensive border security package that includes immigration reform—" Hill replied.
"Congresswoman, I just want a really straight answer here," Harlow interrupted. "Will you vote for any money for a steel barrier?"
"I will definitely–I don't know if it will be steel–I will vote for some money for physical barriers," Hill said. "It's not going to be across the entire 2,000 mile stretch and it is certainly not going to be a concrete wall. It will be part of the package. I can almost bet on it."
"That is more than a lot in leadership are willing to do now," Harlow pointed out.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have indicated a strong unwillingness to budge an inch in negotiations over the $5 billion that President Trump is demanding for a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. Pelosi even said she wouldn’t approve more than a single dollar to fund it.
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