Senate Democrats on Wednesday killed an amendment to President Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that would have blocked the federal government from canceling contracts for the construction of a physical barrier on the U.S.-Mexico border.
In a 49-48 vote, lawmakers rejected the proposal offered by Sen. Ron Johnson, Wisconsin Republican and a former chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
“My amendment is very common sense. It just says ‘Complete the wall that we’ve already contracted for.’ The dollars will be spent regardless. The dollars will be completely wasted and no wall built whatsoever,” said Mr. Johnson. “The American taxpayer needs to understand they will be on the hook for billions of dollars, tens of thousands of tons of steel that’s already been produced, all that waste.”
Since taking office, the White House has been pressured by progressives and immigrant-rights groups to end border wall construction. Last month, Mr. Biden gave in to the demands, canceling two border wall contracts in Texas.
