“I would think he could continue to build the wall with next year’s budget in a CR”
55 miles were appropriated in the previous year. A CR (or multiple CRs) for the next year will allow for another 55 miles. Spending level is maintained in a CR.
I consider that a WIN.
““I would think he could continue to build the wall with next year’s budget in a CR”
55 miles were appropriated in the previous year.”
Those miles were in the the Rio Grande Valley, and included many miles of the most expensive type - FEMA hurricane certified levee wall. In other areas, those dollars would go further. I am guessing that Laredo should get some miles next year - the appropriations seem to have been building up the Rio Grande from the South in 2018 and 2019 - all the way to Falcon Lake has already been largely funded.
Laredo is the biggest city on the border without significant barrier, and is the likely closest place for the heavy Rio Grande Valley traffic to divert to, once the currently funded construction chokes it off in the RGV Sector.
The 10 year baseline budget has an annual wedge of about $1.4 billion annually (thanks Paul Ryan), which gets indexed somehow to inflation. So that is what is likely in a CR. It is also the most likely outcome for an appropriation, if one passes (the Administration is requesting a $5 billion direct appropriation through DHS, and an additional $3.6 billion through other accounts).
60 or 70 miles would do a great job in Laredo. Del Rio has already experienced a big upsurge from shifting traffic, so something is likely there next year as well, whether through appropriations or otherwise.