House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., speaks during a meeting with President Donald Trump in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, along with Republican congressional leaders. Associated Press/Susan Walsh

Three political action groups backed by the Koch brothers urged Capitol Hill leaders to provide funding for border security and a permanent solution for DACA recipients.

Government funding runs out on Friday as lawmakers scramble to provide a solution.



WASHINGTON - Three groups backed by the conservative megadonor Koch brothers sent a letter to House and Senate leaders urging them to include funding in the government spending bill for border security and protections for undocumented immigrants benefiting from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

In a letter addressed to House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday, the leaders of the Koch-backed groups Americans for Prosperity, the LIBRE Initiative, and Freedom Partners pushed for language protecting DACA recipients in the spending bill.

According to news reports, during negotiations with White House officials over the upcoming "omnibus" appropriations bill, congressional Democrats offered to support a proposal that would provide both $25 billion in border security and a permanent solution for Dreamers.

The letter notes that Democrats offered $25 billion for border security, which could include funding for a physical barrier along parts of the US-Mexico border, as long as it also included a permanent solution for DACA recipients.

"We believe this is a reasonable proposal - one that should be supported by the president and members of Congress in both parties," the letter reads. "We encourage you to use your leadership positions to support its inclusion in the upcoming omnibus appropriations bill."

"It's now time to cast aside partisan differences and support a solution that provides certainty for Dreamers, who were brought as children to the United States and seek the opportunity to apply their skills and talents in this country," the letter adds.

Government funding runs out on Friday as the House and Senate are scrambling to come up with a solution. A failure to reach an agreement could prompt the third government shutdown in as many months.

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