The DOD is on track to build around 500 miles of the border wall by the end of 2020. The DHS request did not include a monetary request, though estimates are around $7.2 billion, which will come mostly from counter-narcotic funds. Some $2.5 billion – including military construction funds – was allocated from the defense budget to build nearly 130 miles of border barriers. The DOD will use its counter drug smuggling authority to help finance the border wall. The border wall is one of Trump’s signature issues, and he has talked about building a “big beautiful wall” between the U.S. and Mexico since his early campaign days.

Source: Fox News January 16, 2020 23:03 UTC