House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told President Trump during a televised meeting at the White House last week that he did not have enough support in the House for border funding.
On Thursday night, a bill to fund the government that included $5.7 billion for border security measures passed the lower chamber 217-185.
During a heated debate between Trump, Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and a silent Vice President Mike Pence on Dec. 11, Trump said he would have no problem getting 218 votes for money to replace and build new barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border.
“If I needed the votes for the wall in the House, I would have them in one session — we’d be done,” Trump said.
“Well, then do it. Do it,” Pelosi said.
“It doesn’t help for me to take a vote in the House where I will win easily with the Republicans,” said Trump. Only eight Republicans voted against the spending bill Thursday, which is aimed at avoiding a government shutdown.
“You will not win,” said Pelosi. “The fact is you do not have the votes in the House.”
“Nancy, I do,” said Trump.
“Well, then let’s take the vote and find out,” she said.
Trump: “If I needed the votes for the wall in the House I would have them in one session”
Pelosi: “Well then do it. Go do it.”
WATCH: Trump, Pelosi, Schumer border wall showdown in Oval Office https://t.co/2fCldReMFh pic.twitter.com/1SOSfizzU1
— Roll Call (@rollcall) December 11, 2018
Trump cited the incident then thanked House Republicans in tweets issued late Thursday night.
“Soon to be Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, last week live from the Oval Office, that the Republicans didn’t have the votes for Border Security. Today the House Republicans voted and won, 217-185. Nancy does not have to apologize. All I want is GREAT BORDER SECURITY!” Trump wrote on Twitter.
“Thank you to our GREAT Republican Members of Congress for your VOTE to fund Border Security and the Wall. The final numbers were 217-185 and many have said that the enthusiasm was greater than they have ever seen before. So proud of you all. Now on to the Senate!” he said.
Soon to be Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, last week live from the Oval Office, that the Republicans didn’t have the votes for Border Security. Today the House Republicans voted and won, 217-185. Nancy does not have to apologize. All I want is GREAT BORDER SECURITY!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 21, 2018
Thank you to our GREAT Republican Members of Congress for your VOTE to fund Border Security and the Wall. The final numbers were 217-185 and many have said that the enthusiasm was greater than they have ever seen before. So proud of you all. Now on to the Senate!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 21, 2018
Thursday’s spending bill will head to the Senate, where it is expected to fail because Republicans lack the 60 votes necessary to pass it and avoid a government shutdown.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mon., said late Thursday the Senate should get rid of the filibuster and find a way to pass it with 51 votes.
“House just passed a bill that fully funds government and enables @realDonaldTrump to secure our border/build the wall. Senate can do same by eliminating the filibuster. 51 votes, same as we do for judges!” Daines tweeted.
House just passed a bill that fully funds government and enables @realDonaldTrump to secure our border/build the wall. Senate can do same by eliminating the filibuster. 51 votes, same as we do for judges!
— Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) December 21, 2018
