Goodlatte, Kaine, Warner on Trump's proposed border wall

In a nationwide poll of members of Congress, USA TODAY Network found that less than 25 percent of Republicans endorse border wall funding. 

Of the 292 Republicans in Congress, only 69 responded "yes," in the survey, which is part of a USA TODAY Network project on President Donald Trump's proposed border wall. Among the others, three GOP lawmakers said they oppose the money, several dodged giving a direct answer, and the rest didn't respond to the question at all.

More:Journey reveals reality of the border — and roadblocks to a wall

The House has already approved $1.6 billion in startup funding as part of a broad national security spending package, included in which is the border wall, but the Senate has not yet taken up the measure.

Here's how U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-6th, and U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both D-Va., responded to the questions in the congressional poll:

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Goodlatte:

Do you support the $1.6 billion approved by the House to begin construction of a border wall?

Yes, he voted for H.R. 3219, the Make America Secure Appropriations Act.

Do you believe the border wall should be a physical structure stretching along the entire U.S./Mexico border, to the extent possible?

“A border wall or fence where feasible, combined with technology to detect individuals illegally crossing the border and more manpower at the border, are important components of securing the border, curbing illegal immigration, and preventing human trafficking," Goodlatte said.

How do you believe the United States should pay for the wall?

He supports using normal budget appropriations to pay for the wall.

What do you think is the most effective way to curtail illegal immigration?

“A large percentage of unlawful immigrants – about 30-40 percent – come to the U.S. legally and then overstay their visas. We must ensure our immigration laws are enforced. This is the best way to deter illegal immigration, strengthen national security, and protect the American public," Goodlatte said.

“Unfortunately, under the eight years of the Obama Administration, we suffered from lax immigration enforcement. The Trump Administration has already taken action to reverse many of the previous Administration’s disastrous policies that have fueled the border surge and encouraged more illegal immigration. Additionally, the House Judiciary Committee has passed a number of bills to help improve enforcement, including Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, both of which have passed the House."

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Kaine:

Do you support the $1.6 billion approved by the House to begin construction of a border wall?

“Senator Kaine does not support the construction of a costly and ineffective border wall. He believes there are ways to effectively secure the border without spending billions of dollars in taxpayer money on a wall that won’t benefit Virginians, money that could be put to better use improving roads and bridges, strengthening job training programs, investing in schools, and funding homeland security programs that keep Virginians safe,” said Sarah Peck, Kaine’s communications director.

Do you believe the border wall should be a physical structure stretching along the entire U.S./Mexico border, to the extent possible?

“Senator Kaine does not support constructing a wall across the entire border, which would cost taxpayers billions of dollars and would be ineffective in solving our country’s immigration challenges,” Peck said.

What do you think is the most effective way to curtail illegal immigration?

“Senator Kaine believes Republicans and Democrats in Congress should do what the Senate did four years ago: Pass comprehensive immigration reform that improves border security, updates our visa system to attract talent to help grow our economy, and creates a fair and rigorous path to citizenship that includes the Dreamers who have only known this country as home. Senator Kaine also believes it’s important to address the root causes driving immigrants out of their home countries including gang violence, poverty, and government corruption,” Peck said.

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Warner: 

Do you support the $1.6 billion approved by the House to begin construction of a border wall?

Warner does not support the legislation.

Do you believe the border wall should be a physical structure stretching along the entire U.S./Mexico border, to the extent possible?

Warner does not.

“The President’s proposed border wall is an outdated, fiscally irresponsible idea,” said Jonathan Uriarte, Warner’s deputy press secretary.

What do you think is the most effective way to curtail illegal immigration?

“Each segment of our southern border presents unique geographical, cultural, and technological challenges that cannot be solved only by erecting a physical barrier. Senator Warner has supported additional resources for the U.S. Border Patrol, wider use of technology to monitor sections of the border, and a bipartisan, comprehensive overhaul of our nation’s broken immigration system,” Uriarte said.