Congress Approves $70 Billion for DHS Over Three Years
The House passed a reconciliation bill 214-212 on Tuesday that provides the Department of Homeland Security with $70 billion through 2029. The Senate had approved the measure 52-47 the previous Friday. No Democrats supported the legislation.
The VergeCongress approved $70 billion in additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security through a budget reconciliation process that bypasses the Senate filibuster. The House passed the measure 214-212 on Tuesday after the Senate cleared it 52-47 the prior Friday. The vote split largely along party lines. No Democrats voted in favor.
Democrats attempted to attach provisions that would have blocked an administration proposal for an $1.8 billion compensation fund and required operational changes at immigration enforcement agencies. Neither set of amendments remained in the final text.
Democratic members argued during floor debate that the department had not yet spent roughly $100 billion from prior appropriations and that the new funds would expand enforcement activities. One representative stated the bill reflected priorities out of step with public needs.
The funding increase occurs as the department continues work on existing enforcement priorities. Officials have also discussed increasing enforcement presence in certain jurisdictions if state laws limit cooperation. A statement from an immigration policy organization described the additional resources as likely to produce further operational expansion and public opposition.
