Democrats Cook Up Strange New Bill
GOP Warns Plan Would Cripple Border Security as Funding Fight Intensifies
A major showdown over border security funding is unfolding in Washington — and the clock is ticking.
House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) has introduced a proposal that would fund most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — but specifically cut off funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
With a temporary DHS funding extension set to expire in just days, lawmakers now face mounting pressure to avoid a potential government disruption that could impact national security operations.
What the Democratic Proposal Would Do
The legislation would provide full-year funding for several DHS agencies, including:
- FEMA
- TSA
- U.S. Secret Service
- U.S. Coast Guard
However, the bill explicitly blocks funding for:
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- The DHS Secretary’s Office
It also prohibits transferring funds into ICE or CBP accounts.
For millions of Americans concerned about border security, this detail is at the center of the debate.
Immigration Enforcement at the Heart of the Standoff
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have demanded sweeping reforms to federal immigration enforcement policies following a controversial incident involving federal agents.
Democratic leaders argue major operational changes must occur before they will support continued ICE funding.
Republicans strongly disagree.
GOP Response: “You Can’t Defund Law Enforcement”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune sharply criticized the proposal, noting that immigration enforcement makes up a significant portion of DHS operations.
In his view, removing funding from ICE and CBP would severely weaken the department’s core mission — protecting the border and enforcing federal immigration law.
Thune has instead pushed for a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to temporarily fund DHS while negotiations continue.
But Schumer has signaled Democrats would block another stopgap measure, arguing Republicans have not negotiated in good faith over immigration enforcement limits.
House and Senate Republicans Split on Strategy
Adding another layer to the standoff, Speaker Mike Johnson has urged the Senate to pass the House-approved full-year homeland security funding bill rather than rely on another temporary extension.
Johnson argues offering another short-term deal would undermine the House’s work and weaken negotiating leverage.
This leaves Congress facing a familiar Washington scenario: partisan gridlock with real-world consequences looming.
What’s at Stake for Americans
If lawmakers fail to reach an agreement before the funding deadline:
- DHS agencies could face operational uncertainty
- Federal employees could risk furloughs
- Critical homeland security services could be disrupted
For voters who prioritize border security, immigration enforcement, and national safety, this funding fight goes far beyond typical budget politics.
It raises a fundamental question:
Should immigration enforcement agencies receive full funding — or be reshaped through financial pressure?
The Bigger Picture: Border Security in 2026
With border security remaining one of the top concerns among older voters, this debate reflects a broader national divide over:
- Immigration enforcement authority
- Federal law enforcement funding
- Congressional control over DHS policy
As negotiations continue, Americans are watching closely to see whether Congress prioritizes enforcement stability or political leverage.
The funding deadline is approaching — and the outcome could shape immigration policy for months to come.
