DPCC Co-Chair Cicilline: A Trump Shutdown Would Not Be Good For The American People
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman David Cicilline, Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC), appeared on Hardball with Chris Mathews on MSNBC to discuss the high cost and ineffectiveness of Trump’s southern border wall and the President’s recent declaration that he would be “proud” to shut down the government if he doesn’t get his way. Below are excerpts from the interview and click here to watch the video
“Democrats are fighting to be sure we keep the government functioning. Democrats have supported border security – we’ve voted for an additional $20 billion. What Democrats don't want to support is wasting taxpayer money on this foolish wall. The President's own Chief of Staff said this is not an effective way to secure the border. We gave them two proposals. You can pass the appropriations bills, you can do a continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security and keep the government open. The President made a political calculation, he thinks it is to his benefit to speak to his base, make it look like he is fighting to keep America safe. It is just not true.”
“We should use technology. We should be smart about it. We’ve invested in additional border security. We should be using drones and satellites. Let be smart about the way we're doing this…We are the ones fighting for a comprehensive plan. We supported $20 billion in additional funding for border security.”
“I think the President showed in front of the American people his failure to be a good negotiator. He basically said if you don't give me what I want, I am shutting the government down. He claims to be a great negotiator, this great dealmaker. The American people saw him fail miserably in terms of negotiating a real solution.”
“She is reflecting the will of the American people. They give Democrats the House - the American people don't support wasting money on a wall that will be ineffective. She communicated that very forcibly in those negotiations. She did it in an adult manner, a really effective way, and put the President in his place.”
“If he is serious about border security, there's a compromise we have. With technology, with fencing, with more agents, there's a way to get more border security. If it’s about wasting money for a wall, we won't do it.”
“He has made this such a centerpiece of his Administration that he can’t acknowledge that he’s been unsuccessful in making it happen. What he should acknowledge is that it’s not an effective way to secure the border and let it go. But he’s speaking to his base.”