House Republican leaders are contemplating bringing legislation to the floor that would provide the $5 billion President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE is demanding for a wall on the Mexican border, even though it is far from clear they can win 218 Republican votes for the legislation.

The idea is being considered in the wake of a White House meeting where Trump said he would not blame Democrats for a shutdown over the $5 billion demand because he would be glad to take “the mantle” of responsibility.

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That event stunned some Republicans, who saw the president as giving away leverage in the shutdown talks. Congress has until Dec. 21 to fund parts of the government and prevent a partial shutdown.

A GOP leadership aide said plans and timing are still in flux, but that bringing a bill with $5 billion in funding to the floor is an option that is being discussed.



At the White House meeting between Trump and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiHoyer: House should vote on COVID-19 aid — with or without a bipartisan deal Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in repose at Supreme Court McCarthy threatens motion to oust Pelosi if she moves forward with impeachment MORE (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerCruz blocks amended resolution honoring Ginsburg over language about her dying wish Senate Democrats introduce legislation to probe politicization of pandemic response Schumer interrupted during live briefing by heckler: 'Stop lying to the people' MORE (D-N.Y.), Pelosi said she does not believe Republicans have the 218 votes needed to pass the measure and goaded Trump into trying.

But a top GOP aide told The Hill that leadership is confident they'll have the votes.



If the House could pass the bill, it would likely put pressure on Senate Democrats, who have said they won’t support anything beyond the $1.6 billion agreed on for border security.

In a similar shutdown fight earlier this year, Democrats were largely blamed for a shutdown after they blocked a House-passed funding bill.

Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus took an official position Monday they could support a funding bill if it includes wall funding and the closure of “asylum loopholes.”