Senate Republicans Advance $72B DHS Immigration Package via Reconciliation

Senate Republicans plan to advance a $72 billion package funding Department of Homeland Security immigration agencies as soon as Wednesday after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told a House committee the Justice Department will not move forward with its anti-weaponization fund.

The package would fund immigration enforcement agencies through fiscal year 2029. Republicans on the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees released an initial version last month and are expected to issue an updated text Wednesday.

The program had offered taxpayer-funded payments to people alleging federal weaponization against them. Republicans had sought written assurances after a heated meeting with Blanche last month. Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters at the Capitol that "most of our members feel pretty satisfied" with Blanche's statements.

He noted the comments came under oath in a public hearing even though Blanche declined to put anything in writing. "His comments were extremely helpful," Thune said. Thune added he is "hopeful" and "keeping fingers crossed" that the package can proceed Wednesday.

Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and John Cornyn of Texas signaled continued skepticism. Cornyn lost his primary last week after President Trump backed his opponent. On Wednesday morning Cornyn shared a Wall Street Journal editorial arguing Congress can permanently block the fund by barring appropriations for it.

Some Republicans had continued expressing reservations Tuesday, blocking leaders from advancing the reconciliation measure. The package is moving through the budget reconciliation process, which avoids the 60-vote threshold. The original draft included $1 billion for Secret Service security adjustments and upgrades, including work on President Trump's East Wing renovation that would add a large ballroom.

That provision drew scrutiny from several Republicans and the Senate parliamentarian and is expected to be removed from the final version.