For the sake of the wall, the Pentagon will cut funding for its programs: what it threatens

The Trump administration announced the transfer of $ 3,8 billion under the recently adopted defense budget law to finance the construction of the wall on the border between the United States and Mexico.

The money from the Pentagon’s budget, originally intended for the maintenance of the National Guard, the purchase of aircraft and shipbuilding, will be transferred to the line of expenses for the fight against drug smuggling. This will make it possible to finance the construction of the wall.

The budget maneuver, which was disclosed in documents provided to lawmakers, was harshly criticized by Congressman Mac Thornberry, the main Republican on the House Committee on Armed Forces. Democrats also criticized the transfer, but President Trump was able to carry out the exact same “maneuver” last year without any consequences.

“Congress has the constitutional authority to determine how defense funds are spent. “Today’s reprogramming is contrary to the constitutional powers of Congress,” Thornberry said in a statement.

Less than two months ago, the president signed a bill amending the federal budget. Legislators from both parties opposed the bill, frustrated by the fact that funds earmarked for the implementation of popular projects at military bases would go towards building the wall.

On the subject: Study: Trump's border wall will stop no more than a third of illegal immigrants

This time, the Pentagon withdrew 1,3 billion dollars, which were originally intended to purchase equipment for the National Guard and the purchase of additional aircraft such as F-35 and V-22. In addition, Defense Ministry officials canceled funding for a landing ship being built at a Mississippi shipyard and an expeditionary high-speed cargo ship being built in Alabama, supported by Republican Senator Richard Shelby, chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

“Today [Trump] robbed our National Guard to pay for his ruinous wall,” said Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy.