Republicans Seek Three-Year Funding for ICE and Border Patrol Using Budget Reconciliation

Republicans in Congress are advancing a three-year funding bill for ICE and Border Patrol using the budget reconciliation process to avoid a Democratic filibuster. The measure must pass by a June 1 deadline set by President Trump. The House and Senate previously approved a bipartisan bill funding most of the Department of Homeland Security in late April.

The latest effort follows an earlier Senate measure approved in late March that the House did not take up until just before a recent recess. Republicans initially planned a limited bill covering only ICE and Border Patrol. They expanded it to include $1 billion for security enhancements at a proposed presidential ballroom at the White House after an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Democrats have objected to the added funding. " Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin complained that the East Wing of the White House "sits there as a gaping hole waiting to be filled" and that taxpayers would now pay for it.

Rep. Pat Fallon expressed support for the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote. Rep. " Pro-life Republicans are seeking an extension of a ban on federal money for Planned Parenthood that expires later this year. President Trump described the negotiations as "a very thorny issue" that remains under discussion.

Democrats have opposed the funding because they did not obtain desired reforms at ICE following events in Minnesota this winter. " Separately, a bipartisan proposal has emerged to split the Department of Homeland Security into smaller agencies. The plan would make FEMA a standalone cabinet-level department, have the Secret Service report directly to the president, and move the TSA to the Department of Transportation.

Rep. " Secret Service Director Sean Curran met with Senate Republicans on Tuesday to defend the $1 billion ballroom security request. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said the administration must provide detailed justifications beyond topline numbers. Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended the request, citing three assassination attempts against President Trump in the last two years and the need for the Secret Service to protect the president and the building.

Dave Taylor and Rep. Dusty Johnson, said they need more details on whether the $1 billion request relates to infrastructure, technology or other security measures before deciding. The Senate Budget Committee is not scheduled to meet until late next week.

A vote-a-rama would follow, after which the measure would go to the House. The House adjusted its schedule and will not hold votes until May 20. Lawmakers may need to remain in Washington during part of the Memorial Day weekend to meet the June 1 deadline.

If the bill passes, it would complete funding for the current fiscal year, which ends September 30.