As the Trump administration gets ready to shift defense funds over to build a wall to help control illegal immigration at the southern border, on Thursday, a key ally of the president stressed his support of the decision.
This week, the Trump administration announced it would move $3.6 billion in military construction funds to build the wall, including moving $17 million away from Tyndall Air Force Base in Northwest Florida which was hit hard by Hurricane Michael back in October.
U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has been a leading ally of the White House on Capitol Hill since Trump took over and he continued to support the president on Thursday, defending the decision and noting that none of the funds are being taken away from his district on the Panhandle. Tyndall is next door to Gaetz’s district and is represented by U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla.
“Our nation’s borders are a military priority and a vital component of our national security. President Trump’s decision to use military funds to secure our southern border is a legitimate and necessary action,” Gaetz said. “As of today, I have been assured that no funding will be diverted from any military installation or project within Florida’s First Congressional District to fund the construction of the border wall. I thank President Trump today for his renewed commitment to Northwest Florida’s military readiness and for his leadership in addressing the border crisis.”
Gaetz was first elected to Congress in 2016 and represents a secure Republican district.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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