“I wonder if some of those Military Construction funds could be used to build Military bases on the southern border?”
I believe that the Military Construction (MILCON) money under the Emergency Declaration could be spent to build bases, but next year they would likely not receive any money to operate, maintain or staff such bases from Congress. I do not believe that the Counter-Drug money from DoD could be used for bases (but border roads, lights and fences are specifically authorized for Counter-Drug spending).
It might be possible to build bases for Border Patrol out of MILCON, and have them accept ownership, and commit to the long term operation and maintenance. That is what they have agreed to for the 57 miles of barrier, roads, lights and alarms that DoD just funded.
Generally, anything enduring (multi-year) needs to be built into the baseline budget, so that all the associated costs are systematically projected and included. It is a big drill to detail all the expenses, across all the categories of the budget (personnel, procurement, operations, maintenance, construction).
Handing the barrier immediately to DHS makes it possible for DoD to act quickly in funding these large projects (same year) - otherwise, the supporting analysis and documentation itself would take more than a year.
Appreciate your knowledgeable reply. I was hoping bases along the southern border might be another great project for President Trump. I’m not sure any future President would ever accomplish it or even consider it.
Perhaps if we end up closing some of our military bases in Germany or other parts of Europe, we can re-establish the bases here at home along the border. I think it would be wise and possibly just a “relocation” of those current European funds could make it happen. I do hope President Trump and his staff will somehow get this accomplished.
Having the wall built plus military bases along the border would be a great thing for this country.