Trump Signs $70 Billion Homeland Security Bill
On Wednesday, President Trump signed a Republican-backed $70 billion Homeland Security bill, which narrowly passed in the House despite the Republicans holding a majority. This Senate-authored legislation has sparked debates within party lines.
During a discussion in the Oval Office alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate leaders, Trump expressed his enthusiasm for funding the Department of Homeland Security. He highlighted the importance of providing necessary resources to “the heroes of ICE and Border Patrol” before his term ends.
He stated, “This bill provides critical funding for domestic law enforcement investigations and the fight against child exploitation, restoring law and order across the country and continuing our efforts to protect America’s youth.”
Trump elaborated that for over 100 days, Congressional Democrats tried to block funding for Homeland Security, accusing them of seeking to open America’s borders. He mentioned the chaotic consequences of what he called “Crooked Joe Biden’s administration,” which he believes is one of the most corrupt.
He criticized Biden’s “open borders” policy, saying it led to around 25 million undocumented immigrants entering the country. Furthermore, he pointed fingers at Vice President Kamala Harris, who held the title of border czar but allegedly never utilized ICE or Border Patrol effectively. “She never called them,” Trump remarked. “I always called the border.”
According to Trump, crossings of fentanyl at the border have declined by about 60%. He suggested law enforcement’s new focus is on land crossings, citing that sea routes have become more difficult.
House Minority Leader Steve Scalise emphasized the urgent need for the House to act due to heightened national security threats. Although the $70 billion bill faced resistance from conservatives initially, there was a push to formalize Trump’s immigration executive orders, which lacked full legal standing.
Rep. Keith Self commented, “We need to codify what the president has done across the board,” pointing out that while funding is being allocated for border security, there’s no legal framework to support these actions in the longer term.
All Senate Democrats and one Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, voted against the bill in June. Remaining Republican members argued for complete funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection through Trump’s presidency.
California Rep. Pete Aguilar expressed concerns about granting ICE a “$70 billion blank check,” alleging that the agency has a history of negative impacts on society. Trump had previously set a June 1 deadline for Congress to secure funding for ICE and border security, but internal opposition delayed the bill’s progress.
Despite the political contention, the bill’s passing follows months after Democrats managed to shut down the Department of Homeland Security in response to Trump’s immigration enforcement initiatives. However, the actual impact of this shutdown remained limited as ICE had already received separate funding the previous year.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for further comment.
