Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) cannot support a border wall that isn’t paid for.
Despite some indications that Republican leaders may give President Donald Trump a multi-billion dollar border wall without offsets, Risch – a key fiscal conservative – says he’s not on board.
“I vote for things that are offset,” Risch said. “I’m a strong believer in offsetting whatever it is you’re going to spend money on. The government today borrows one and a quarter million dollars a day and that can’t go on so it needs to be offset.”
Risch’s position isn’t that different from many Republicans during Barack Obama’s presidency, but since Trump has come into office some Republicans –including House Speaker Paul Ryan – haven’t closed the door on allowing Trump to get his border wall without offsets.
Risch called himself the “low water mark” on the issue of offsetting, arguing that he may be less flexible on the issue than other members, but Risch’s voice and position could be key when the Trump administration asks for money for the wall from Congress. Republicans only have 52 votes in the Senate. If three of them oppose legislation and Democrats vote against a border wall, Risch’s vote could be consequential.
