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Kansas Senator Moran Wants To Delay Border Wall Discussion

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Lawmakers in Washington must approve spending legislation or face a government shutdown, and discussion of funding a border wall is complicating the situation. Republican Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran said during a stop in Topeka this weekend that he hopes they reach a solution in time.

President Trump has called for budget bills to include funding for a wall on the Mexican border. That has drawn opposition from some members of Congress. If both sides dig in, that could cause a government shutdown.

Moran said he wants talk of funding a border wall to wait until next fiscal year.

“I think a government shutdown is a mistake. I think it has significant consequences," Moran said. "Sometimes, Kansans will say, ‘Shut her down. I can’t tell the difference.’ I can point out many instances in which there is a difference."

To avoid that shutdown, lawmakers will need to approve a spending bill, or an extension, before the end of the week.

Stephen Koranda is the managing editor of the Kansas News Service, based at KCUR. He has nearly 20 years of experience in public media as a reporter and editor.