Watch CBS News

House Speaker Ryan Says Congress Will Pay Billions For Wall

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

WASHINGTON (AP) - House Speaker Paul Ryan says President Donald Trump's border wall will cost $12 billion to $15 billion -- and Ryan says Congress will pay for it by this fall.

The Wisconsin Republican made his comments to reporters in Philadelphia, where GOP lawmakers are holding their annual strategy retreat.

Ryan was pressed on whether the wall's price tag would be added to the deficit -- or whether Congress would find some ways to offset the cost. But he wouldn't commit.

The point, Ryan says, is that Congress will pay for "the construction of a physical barrier on the border."

A short time later, Border Patrol agents were told that Border Patrol chief Mark Morgan is no longer on the job. It's not immediately clear whether Morgan resigned or was asked to leave. 

Trump is set to speak to the lawmakers later Thursday -- a day after signing an executive order calling for the wall.

(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.