Twenty-one Republican lawmakers diverged from President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) on Tuesday evening, aiming to delay a $1.2 trillion spending bill intended to prevent a government shutdown. Their main concern? The bill, they argued, fails to adequately support Republican objectives.
Among several objections, lawmakers emphasized the need for measures that boost election integrity, provide year-round funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and remove appropriations that have been insisted upon by Democrats.
Those opposing the bill included:
- Reps. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.)
- Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Ariz.)
- Rep. Josh Brechen (R-Colorado)
- Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Okla.)
- Rep. Eric Burleson (R-Tenn.)
- Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Missouri)
- Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.)
- Rep. Byron Donald (R-Fla.)
- Rep. Randy Fine (R-Texas)
- Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas)
- Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.)
- Rep. Corey Mills (R-Fla.)
- Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.)
- Rep. Scott Perry (R-Penn.)
- Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas)
- Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.)
- Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas)
- Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.)
- Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.)
- Rep. William Timmons (R-S.C.)
Rep. Thomas Massey (R-Kentucky) criticized the bill for not bolstering election integrity through the Protection of American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE), which would mandate photo IDs for voter registration in federal elections. He pointed out, “Most importantly, it blocked the SAVE Act to protect elections from illegal aliens, which is a top priority for conservatives.” He had shared his objections on social media.
Massey and others pushed for the SAVE Act to be linked to the 2026 funding bill. Frustration with the process manifestly grew among Republicans. Some felt there was a lack of trust that Democrats would genuinely negotiate over the critical issues surrounding DHS funding.
Rep. Eric Burleson (R-Missouri) expressed his skepticism about the situation, saying, “To think Chuck Schumer can somehow get Republicans to pass a bill with all Republican content but just two weeks for DHS funding is foolish.”
Despite the dissent, the bill passed with a narrow bipartisan vote of 217-214 and will now go to Trump for his signature. This legislation covers funding for various departments, including War, Education, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services.
The legislation faced hurdles before, particularly after Senate Democrats expressed concerns about vulnerabilities in ICE operations following two tragic incidents involving immigration enforcement agents and civilians in Minnesota.
In response, Democrats have called for new restrictions on ICE, advocating for measures such as banning mask use, ending loitering patrols, mandating body cameras, tightening warrant restrictions, and ensuring law enforcement visibly identify themselves.
As part of this recent bill, a two-week extension for DHS funding was included to give negotiators a chance to bridge the differences over ICE regulations while preventing a government shutdown.
Lawmakers now have until the end of next week to finalize a funding agreement for DHS, or they risk losing vital financial support. This bill also incorporates funding for the Coast Guard, TSA, and FEMA.
Some lawmakers who expressed their discontent regarding the bill voiced disappointment in the failure to leverage this opportunity to advocate for increased DHS funding. Rep. Lauren Boebert articulated this sentiment, stating, “I voted against the minibus bill.”
Boebert added, “Republicans should fund DHS at the Trump level for robust border security.”
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) criticized the bill, noting he feels Republicans missed a chance to assert their bargaining power. He remarked, “Negotiations should start from the power side,” echoing sentiments often voiced by Trump.
