US House has approved a funding package of $70 billion for ICE and Border Patrol
The US House has approved a $70 billion bill that allocates funding for ICE and Border Patrol, successfully concluding a prolonged debate over immigration spending.
The US House of Representatives, under Republican control, has approved a $70 billion bill to finance Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol for the duration of President Trump’s term, bringing an end to a lengthy political impasse regarding immigration enforcement funding.
The measure was approved by a slim margin of 214-212, primarily along party lines, and is now on its way to the White House for presidential approval. Former Republican member Kevin Kiley, now an independent, aligned with Democrats in opposing the legislation.
The vote comes after the Senate approved the same bill last week following lengthy discussions. Republicans employed a rapid reconciliation process, enabling them to circumvent possible Democratic opposition.
The funding dispute had earlier led to a 76-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security this year, which was ultimately resolved in April through a separate bipartisan funding agreement that covered non-enforcement agencies until the end of the fiscal year.
Tensions escalated during negotiations as President Trump advocated for increased spending proposals, which included funding for White House security enhancements and an anti-weaponization initiative. The funding for the ballroom was subsequently withdrawn, while the suggested limitations on the anti-weaponization fund were rejected; however, the administration states that the program will not move forward.
