Republicans push back against a Senate DHS funding bill that excludes ICE funding, raising concerns over border security and the bill’s future in the House.
Senate DHS Funding Bill Faces Republican Backlash Over ICE Exclusion
A newly passed Senate bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing strong opposition from key Republican lawmakers, raising uncertainty about its future in the House.
The legislation, approved in the Senate during early morning hours, funds most DHS operations but excludes full funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and provides only partial support for Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The measure passed by unanimous consent, but critics argue it leaves major gaps in immigration enforcement.
Sen. Rick Scott, a close ally of President Donald Trump, said he opposed the timing and substance of the bill, criticizing lawmakers for advancing it while most Americans were asleep. He also argued the proposal fails to prioritize border security.
Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus echoed similar concerns, warning that excluding ICE funding could weaken efforts to address illegal immigration and related crimes. Caucus Chair Andy Harris called the agreement inadequate and urged lawmakers to revise the bill to include full funding for border enforcement and additional measures such as voter identification requirements.
The criticism has created new challenges for the bill as it moves to the House of Representatives. Speaker Mike Johnson has already rejected the Senate proposal and instead suggested a temporary 60-day funding extension to allow further negotiations.
Other Republican senators have also expressed hesitation. Sen. Josh Hawley said he is reluctant to support any legislation that reduces ICE funding, emphasizing the importance of maintaining full support for immigration enforcement agencies.
The growing divide within the Republican Party highlights the broader debate over immigration policy and government funding priorities. With disagreements continuing in both chambers, the path forward for DHS funding remains uncertain as lawmakers work to avoid prolonged disruptions to critical security operations.
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