It doesn't matter whether a protective measure at the nation's southern border is called a fence or a wall, but it does matter that a decision is reached to take action, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said Wednesday.
"I'm looking for safety and security over semantics," the California Republican told Fox News' "Fox and Friends."
"I don't care what they call it, but it has to be a barrier. It has to protect."
McCarthy pointed out that when a wall was put up in San Diego, it "saved us more than 95 percent" when it came to illegal immigration.
A bipartisan meeting with members from both congressional chambers is to meet for the first time on Wednesday to try to work out a compromise over border security funding.
McCarthy said he is not sure about which Democrats on the committee are likely to be receptive about what President Donald Trump is suggesting, but "this is an appropriation bill. This is supposed to be a conference, the way government works."
McCarthy added that he will be open-minded and let everyone have an opportunity to talk during a meeting later on Wednesday, but in the end, "they have got to find a solution."
Further, Democrats have voted for a wall before in the Appropriations Committee, but the real question is if enough money will be allocated to make the nation's border secure, said McCarthy.
"Remember, what we are talking about is one-tenth of one percent of our entire budget," he commented.