Why It Matters
Senate Republican leaders announced Tuesday they will bypass Democrats to secure up to $70 billion in immigration enforcement funding through the end of President Donald Trump’s term. The move comes as the Department of Homeland Security shutdown drags on with no resolution in sight.
The funding package would eliminate the need for Republicans to negotiate with Democrats, who could potentially retake control of Congress after the November elections.
What Happened
GOP leaders in both chambers unveiled the first step of a complex budgetary process called reconciliation, which allows them to pass the immigration funding without Democratic votes. The Senate released the text of a budget resolution Tuesday morning, setting up a floor vote later this week.
Republicans plan to reopen the government without the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border patrol funding that Democrats have blocked for months. The new proposal would fund these agencies separately through reconciliation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday he will not advance any partial DHS funding package until ICE and border patrol funding is secured. Johnson emphasized the importance of keeping key immigration enforcement agencies together in the funding process.
By The Numbers
• $70 billion: Maximum funding proposed for immigration enforcement
• Funding would extend through the remainder of Trump’s presidential term
• Nearly every Republican in both chambers must cooperate for the reconciliation process to succeed
• The measure requires passage in both the Senate and House
Zoom Out
The reconciliation process is challenging and time-consuming. It requires near-unanimous Republican support in both chambers to advance. Senate Majority Leader John Thune previously advanced a partial funding bill weeks ago, which caused division within the GOP.
When the Senate officially puts its budget resolution on the floor, lawmakers will likely face an all-night voting session known as a “vote-a-rama” where senators can offer unlimited amendments. That marathon session could happen later this week.
What’s Next
The Senate will vote on the budget resolution this week. If it passes, the House plans to take up the measure quickly. Success depends on maintaining unity among Republican lawmakers in both chambers throughout the reconciliation process.
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