Senate Returns to Consider Republican Plan to Fund Immigration Agencies

The Senate is returning to Washington on Monday from a week-long recess as Republicans prepare to take the next steps in their plan to fund immigration agencies under the Department of Homeland Security without help from Democrats. The addition of security funds for the East Wing of the White House modernization project could pose hurdles for the legislation.

Last week, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees unveiled legislative text to fund DHS immigration enforcement through fiscal year 2029. The $72 billion package includes more than $38 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and $26 billion for Customs and Border Protection.

It would also provide $1 billion to the Secret Service for security adjustments and upgrades, including enhancements related to the 90,000-square-foot East Wing Modernization Project. In addition to a ballroom, the construction includes revamped underground national security and health care facilities.

The bill would allow the money to be spent on above-ground and below-ground security features. The president announced the makeover of the White House's East Wing last July. By October the structure was demolished, and the administration aimed to move quickly on the project it says is necessary for security and hosting large events.

The president reiterated the push in the aftermath of the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting late last month. The construction has been challenged in court, and the project was temporarily blocked in late March. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia allowed it to resume last month.

The next hearing is set for June 5.

The White House applauded the inclusion of the security funds in the Senate package last week. A statement said Congress has recognized the need for these funds. " — White House spokesman Davis Ingle (@CBSNews) The legislative text stipulates that none of the funds may be used for non-security elements related to the project.

The president has repeatedly said the ballroom is being funded through donations, not taxpayer dollars. Democrats have highlighted the funds as evidence of support for the project. Senate Democrats pledged to fight the plan with every tool available.

Republicans have a 53-seat majority in the Senate. While most legislation requires 60 votes to move forward, the budget reconciliation process allows Senate Republicans to advance a measure with direct budgetary consequences with only a simple majority.

The committees are expected to mark up the legislation in the coming days before it comes to the floor. The president set a June 1 deadline for both chambers to approve the legislation and get it to his desk. The dynamic is expected to mark the return of lawmakers to Washington this week.