Senate Budget Plan to Fund ICE and Border Patrol Sparks Controversy in Homeland Security Reopening Effort
The Senate initiated a new effort to reopen the Department of Homeland Security by adopting a budget plan to fund ICE and Border Patrol, despite Democratic objections. The department has been shut down since mid-February due to policy demands following fatal shootings by federal agents. Republicans aim to fund the agencies through budget reconciliation, a process used previously for tax and spending cuts. The Senate's budget process requires a simple majority and bypasses filibuster rules, but faces scrutiny and amendment votes.
Senate Democrats proposed amendments to lower health care costs while Republicans focused on funding ICE and Border Patrol. The $70 billion budget resolution aims to fund the agencies for three years. The Senate has already voted to reopen the rest of the department, but House Republicans are waiting for progress on funding ICE and Border Patrol. The bill is expected to reach Trump's desk by the end of the month, along with the rest of the Homeland Security Department funding.
Republicans hope to keep the bill focused on ICE and Border Patrol, but some in the party want to add other items like funding for farmers and Trump's proof of citizenship voting bill. Sen. Kennedy briefly delayed the vote series, seeking inclusion of additional legislation, but eventually allowed the voting to proceed. Democrats advocate for restraints on federal immigration authorities in any funding bill for the Homeland Security Department.
After failed bipartisan negotiations, the DHS funding lapsed with no agreement on changes to immigration enforcement tactics. Trump used executive orders to pay some department salaries during the recess, but the future of those paychecks is uncertain. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a two-track approach to pass the Senate bill and fund ICE and CBP through a party-line bill. The House has yet to take up the Senate's legislation, and the sequencing of the two bills remains a point of contention.
In conclusion, the Senate's budget plan to fund ICE and Border Patrol is a step towards reopening the Department of Homeland Security. The process faces challenges and differing priorities between Republicans and Democrats, with the House yet to take up the Senate's legislation. The future of the department's funding and the inclusion of additional priorities remain uncertain as negotiations continue.