President Trump Considering Veto Of $1.3 Trillion Omnibus Spending Bill

A government shutdown may be looming after President Trump signaled he might veto the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill that Congress passed on early Friday morning. A few hours after the bill was passed Trump tweeted that he is unhappy that the border wall is not being "fully funded" by the massive bill. The bill boosts border enforcement funds by $1.6 billion, but it is restricted to be used for upgrading surveillance technology and expanding the existing fencing on the border. The president had asked for $25 billion to fund the construction of a wall along the border of the United States and Mexico. He also pointed out that the "800,000 plus DACA recipients have been totally abandoned by the Democrats." 

Congress could override his veto but that seems unlikely. The bill did not pass the House or Senate by the two-thirds majority required for a veto. It passed by a vote of 62-35 in the Senate and the House approved it with a vote of 256-167.

Two Republicans tweeted their support of the veto. Senator Bob Corker called the bill "totally irresponsible," while Rep. Mark Meadows said the Freedom Caucus would get behind a veto and suggested that Congress "pass a short term CR," allowing budget negotiations continue. 

If Trump vetos the bill, the government could be in for a long shutdown. The Senate is adjourned until April 9th, and many members of Congress have left Washington. 

The president has until midnight to sign the bill and avert another government shutdown.

Photo: Getty Images


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