Trump administration takes $77 million away from Virginia military projects in order to fund his border wall

By Keya Vakil

September 5, 2019

The Trump administration is taking more than $77 million away from four military projects in Virginia and re-allocating that money to advance the President’s desired border wall, Democratic Virginia Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

The following projects stand to lose money due to the diversion of funds:

  • Cyber Operations Facility at Joint Base Langley-Eustis will lose $10,000,000.
  • Navy Ships Maintenance Facility in Portsmouth will lose $26,120,000.
  • A project to replace a hazardous materials warehouse in Norfolk will lose $18,500,000.
  • A project to replace a hazardous materials warehouse in Portsmouth will lose $22,500,000.

Kaine and Warner both criticized the decision, saying it makes the country less safe.

“The well-being of American troops is the core responsibility of every commander in the military, yet the commander-in-chief is shirking that duty so he can advance his own political agenda,” Kaine said in a statement.

They also took to Twitter to express their displeasure, where they were also joined by Reps. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia Beach) and Bobby Scott (D-Newport News).

Overall, the Department of Defense will halt 127 military construction projects and divert $3.6 billion to build 175 miles of wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

  • Keya Vakil

    Keya Vakil is the deputy political editor at COURIER. He previously worked as a researcher in the film industry and dabbled in the political world.

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