The House is aiming to pass the last four government funding bills, including one for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), before a January 30 deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Top House Democratic leaders have announced their opposition to the DHS funding bill, arguing it does not sufficiently address the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies.
Driving the news: Democratic concerns over the bill intensified after an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Good, a mother of three, during an operation in Minneapolis.
- Many Democrats feel ICE is “out of control” and want stricter oversight and reforms on immigration enforcement practices.
- The current DHS bill holds ICE spending flat compared to last year and includes some restrictions on the department’s ability to move funds, but falls short of Democratic demands for greater oversight.
Go deeper: Some Democrats, especially in swing districts, may face political backlash regardless of their vote, with Republicans accusing them of endangering national security and liberal groups demanding a tougher stance against DHS.
- Progressive Democrats and advocacy groups are urging House leadership and members to reject the bill outright, saying proposed changes like body camera funding are insufficient.
- Despite opposition, some Democrats acknowledge limited leverage due to not having control of the House, Senate, or White House, and note the bill does offer some added oversight of Homeland Security operations.
- House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, are confident the overall $1.2 trillion funding package, which also covers Defense, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, will pass.
- The majority of federal spending, such as Social Security and Medicare, is not affected by these annual appropriations battles.
