Early Thursday, the Senate took a significant step to revive the Department of Homeland Security by approving a budget for ICE and Border Patrol, despite opposition from Democrats. This budget is now headed to the House.
The Department has been inactive since mid-February, following demands from Democrats for policy changes after two protesters were fatally shot by federal agents.
Republicans aim to fund these agencies using a complicated process known as budget reconciliation, which they previously employed to enact President Donald Trump’s tax cuts without any Democratic support.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune commented, “We have a multi-step process ahead of us, but ultimately Republicans will help secure America’s borders and stop Democrats from defunding these critical agencies.”
This budget drafting process requires only a simple majority in the Senate, sidestepping the 60-vote filibuster rule, especially crucial since Republicans hold just 53 seats.
However, it will entail increased oversight from senators and a lengthy series of amendment votes at both the beginning and end of the process.
The Senate conducted initial votes overnight, during which Democrats proposed amendments aimed at reducing healthcare costs, contrasting with the Republicans whose focus remains on immigration enforcement under President Trump.
“Instead of spending hundreds of billions of dollars on ICE and border security, Republicans should work with Democrats to reduce out-of-pocket costs,” remarked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
A Long-Term Effort to Reopen the Department of Homeland Security
Once the House approves the budget framework and the Senate gives its nod, both chambers can advance the bill.
The Senate has previously passed a bipartisan vote aimed at reopening remaining departments, yet House Republican leaders have stated they will not entertain the bill until there is visible progress on funding ICE and Border Patrol.
The proposed $70 billion budget intends to support both agencies for the next three years, throughout the remainder of President Trump’s term.
Thune and other Republican leaders are determined to keep the bill focused on ICE and border security, hoping to send it to President Trump by the month’s end, alongside other DHS funding already passed in the Senate.
This endeavor may prove challenging, as many within the party perceive this budget as the last real opportunity to address their priorities this year.
House and Senate Republicans are advocating for additional items, such as funds for farmers and provisions from President Trump’s Save America Act.
Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana expressed frustration over a lack of provisions from the Save America Act included in the bill, suspending votes briefly. “This is the last train to leave the station,” he said, indicating he doubts any major legislation could pass before the upcoming midterm elections.
Eventually, he retracted his objection, allowing the voting process to continue.
Democrats Say ICE and Border Patrol Need Reforms After Mass Shootings
Democrats argue that the funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security should impose necessary reforms on federal immigration authorities, such as more rigorous background checks on agents and a greater reliance on judicial warrants.
Following the January shooting of two individuals in Minneapolis by federal agents, President Trump conceded to Democratic demands to separate the Homeland Security bill from a broader spending package. Unfortunately, bipartisan negotiations later fell apart, leaving DHS funding in limbo without agreement on Trump administration immigration tactics.
In March, the Senate voted to separate funding for ICE and Border Patrol from that of other departments, including the TSA, after experiencing long security lines at airports.
Yet, House Republicans rejected this, insisting that any bill must include immigration enforcement funding.
Congress then adjourned for a two-week recess with the matter unresolved.
Throughout this period, President Trump has used executive orders to fund salaries in certain departments, but the future of those salaries remains uncertain.
Potential Obstacles in the House of Representatives
During the recess, Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson laid out a two-pronged strategy: passing a Senate bill that includes most of the department’s funding through regular channels, while also using a partisan approach to secure financing for ICE and CBP.
However, weeks later, Johnson has yet to provide a timeline for when the House will address the funding for the remaining departments.
It’s also uncertain if his Republican colleagues will unify to narrow down the budget, as some, including Sen. Kennedy, propose adding other priorities.
Speaker Johnson has highlighted the importance of the order in which bills are addressed, expressing that members prefer not to fund the broader department without provisions for ICE and Border Patrol.
“We’ll definitely get there,” Johnson assured. “Please look forward to it.”
