WASHINGTON (KMOX) — The Pentagon approved the transfer of up to $1 billion in military funds Monday night to go toward building a wall along the Southern U.S. border; however, Congress rejected the motion during a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee Tuesday.
Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan made the authorization Monday to support the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection.
The funds will “support DHS’s request to build 57 miles of 18-foot-high pedestrian fencing, constructing and improving roads, and installing lighting within the Yuma and El Paso Sectors of the border,” according to a statement released by the Department of Defense.
Shanahan testified before the committee Tuesday to discuss the budget reallocation, however, the chairman Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), promptly released a statement renouncing the transfer of funds.
“Historically they’ve asked for our signature to consent. This time they’re not asking for our consent,” Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) told AP. “That kind of changes the working relationship and it’s likely to change the next defense appropriations bill. I would be surprised if you didn’t find language that spells out reprogramming in the future is going to be handled a lot differently.”