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In the early hours of Friday, the Senate reached a pivotal decision, approving a crucial bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This move effectively concluded a prolonged two-month impasse between Republicans and Democrats, who had been at loggerheads over the funding specifics.
In an unexpected turn, Senate Republicans opted to accept a proposal put forth by Democrats. This arrangement secured funding for the entirety of DHS, with the notable exception of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which encompasses Border Protection services.
The Senate passed the funding package through a voice vote, allowing the chamber to adjourn for a two-week break. The House is poised to cast their votes on this legislation, potentially as early as Friday.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, expressed his disappointment with the outcome, describing it as “unfortunate.”
“The Democrats pushed for reforms, and we attempted to collaborate on these issues,” Thune remarked. “Ultimately, they achieved no reforms, but there will be opportunities to address these matters in the future.”
This Senate decision comes on the heels of an announcement from President Donald Trump. On Thursday, he declared that the DHS would ensure payment for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents. These agents had been working without compensation since the government shutdown commenced a month and a half ago.
Democrats have shut down funding for DHS as they seek to put constraints on federal agents that have been conducting immigration raids across the country. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have led many Democrats to demand DHS agents no wear masks, require judicial warrants for immigration raids, and more.
“Senate Democrats were clear: no blank check for a lawless ICE and Border Patrol,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Friday.
“Democrats held firm in our opposition that Donald Trump’s rogue and deadly militia should not get more funding without serious reforms.”
While congressional lawmakers hash out how to address ICE and Border Patrol funding and conduct, the two agencies can continue to operate on roughly $140 billion in funding from the Big Beautiful Bill.
It remains possible that a second Republican reconciliation bill, which could pass through the Senate with only 51 votes, may increase immigration enforcement funding.
Thune said that it remains a “good possibility.”
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) said, “What’s coming next will supercharge deportations,”
