for other security priorities. still, schumer's office rejected it. his spokesman, quote: the vice president came in and made an offer, unfortunately, we're still very far apart. asked today why won't democrats give a little on border wall funding, oregon senator jeff merkley responded this way: >> because we're absolutely willing to fund border security. the american people want us to spend money in a smart way. $5 billion is a lot of money. that's $650,000 -- 650,000 children attending head start. it's 2 million meals a day for a year for seniors. and to spend it on a forty century strategy -- fourth century strategy, it's something we're just not going to do. >> reporter: but there is some question whether any number would satisfy democrats. republicans believe that it's nancy pelosi who's really pulling the strings here. she's running for house speaker when the new congress gavels in in january, and she cannot afford to lose the votes of a new crop of far left democratic