WASHINGTON, DC - Since the government shutdown, it seems that not a day goes by in which we aren’t apprised of the current state of affairs within the Capitol. This time around, as President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell work to pass Trump’s border wall and immigration proposal, House Democratic leaders stated they are prepared to offer Trump $5.7 billion for border security—so long as he agrees to reopen the government.

According to The New York Times, these House Democratic leaders—among them Representatives Steny D. Hoyer of Maryland and James E. Clyburn of South Carolina—have explained to reporters that the party could back a $5.7 billion funding measure that includes drones and refitted ports of entry. However, none of the money would be allocated toward a border wall.

“Using the figure the president put on the table, if his $5.7 billion is about border security, then we see ourselves fulfilling that request, only doing it with what I like to call using a smart wall,” Clyburn told reporters.

The House—which is currently controlled by the Democrats—geared up yesterday to pass legislation that included an additional $1.5 billion dollars for border security. This money would be allocated to 75 new immigration judges and their staff, as well as infrastructure improvements. However, top Democrats are simultaneously and separately preparing a letter to the President that outlines a potentially more expensive vision of border security, The New York Times reported.

Representative Hoyer did not disclose how much money the Democrats would be willing to spend, and Representative Clyburn said only, “so long as it’s done smartly.” Democrats have been opposed to the wall itself, but are interested in border security measures such as new scanning technology that detects drugs and weapons, infrastructure improvements, and additional personnel.

The Senate will vote today, the 24th, on Trump’s border security proposal.

As the government shutdown continues, AndNowUKnow will report the latest.