Concerns Over DHS Funding Bill

On Tuesday, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich raised concerns regarding a provision in the recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill. He questioned why Senate Republicans allowed a clause he deemed “totally inappropriate.”

The Senate passed a funding deal unanimously on Friday that, notably, does not allocate funds for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Border Security. Conversely, the House narrowly approved a stopgap bill to fund all of DHS, including immigration enforcement, through May. Gingrich commented on the situation during an appearance on “Kudlow.”

“This bill suggests we can’t allocate funds for ICE. I find that perplexing—I mean, I really don’t grasp it, and I’d prefer to avoid jumping to conclusions. However, it appears to me that Senate Republicans may have let something entirely inappropriate slip into this bill,” he told guest host David Assmann. “Especially since, from the House’s perspective, the money remaining from last year’s Great Big Beautiful Act can’t be tapped for operating expenses.”

Gingrich reiterated his confusion regarding the decision of Senate Republicans to incorporate this provision into the DHS funding bill.

“I don’t quite get why Republicans would accept this provision. It’s outlined clearly and specifically. I have a few lawyer friends involved in negotiations concerning this, and they’re informing me about it. Still, we haven’t received a satisfactory explanation from the Senate about this acceptance,” he added.

The Senate also failed to advance the Protecting American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE), which would have mandated proof of citizenship for voter registration, imposed voter ID requirements, and removed noncitizens from voter rolls. During a discussion, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested that everything was “resolved” and “all going well.” He admitted, however, that despite some progress, much remains to be done.

Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine took issue with Thune’s remarks on X, criticizing him for seeming to plan an early departure from Washington while the SAVE America Act faced delays. He noted, “With the American Rescue Act left behind, it seems that Leader John Thune is leaving town with a private escort. This is highly unfortunate. I plan to stay in Washington for as long as it takes to get the job done,” he stated.