(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced the Pentagon will cancel $3.6 billion of military construction funding for 127 projects, including $66.5 million for three projects in Maryland, to instead pay for President Trump’s border wall:

“The Trump Administration’s decision to divert $3.6 billion of funding from critical U.S. military construction projects, including $66.5 million for three projects in Maryland, is an intolerable affront to Congress, the American people, our Constitution, and our troops and their families. Having failed to convince Mexico or the United States Congress to pay billions for this private fetish and public folly, the President faces a political debacle of his own creation—one that must not be allowed to derail authorized funding for military construction projects across the country.

“Deferring $66.5 million in funding for the Child Development Center, Hazardous Cargo Pad (HCP), and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Proficiency Range at Joint Base Andrews and the cantonment area roads at Fort Meade thoughtlessly undermines the well-being, safety, and quality of life of our servicemembers who live and work there.

“President Trump’s fantasy border wall will do nothing to address the structural causes of continuing migration to the U.S.-Mexico border and will only worsen the humanitarian situation for hundreds of thousands of children and families.

“My colleagues and I will continue to fight this dangerous decision and work to ensure that military construction funding is used for its intended purposes: to support our military, enhance readiness, and protect our national security.”

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