South Dakota Legislature offers support for border barriers

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota’s Legislature has passed a resolution urging the funding of steel barriers at the southern border as the government shutdown hit its 24th day.

The state House voted 55-13 on Monday for the measure, which senators approved last week. Republican Rep. Tony Randolph, the measure’s House sponsor, says it’s a simple measure to urge the president and Congress to secure the border.

Democratic Rep. Ray Ring, who spoke against the measure, says it goes against “what our country stands for and what our faith stands for.”

Resolutions express the Legislature’s opinions but don’t have the force of law.

President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats have been at an impasse over funding for the proposed wall, which has led to the partial government shutdown.

AP-WF-01-15-19