The Senate approved a budget resolution early Thursday authorizing funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and portions of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), advancing a key Republican initiative without Democratic support. The resolution passed 50-48 after a six-hour series of votes known as a “vote-a-rama.”
Passed shortly after 3:30 a.m. Eastern, the resolution now heads to the House of Representatives, where it must be adopted before a final funding bill is crafted and voted on by both chambers. Senate Republicans intend to use the budget reconciliation process to fund these Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies, circumventing Democratic opposition. President Donald Trump has set June 1 as the deadline for the final passage of the funding legislation.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) emphasized the GOP’s goal to maintain border security and prevent Democrats from defunding immigration enforcement agencies. The resolution authorizes the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees to draft legislation increasing spending by up to $70 billion, intended to cover ICE and parts of CBP for over three years, aligning with the remainder of the Trump administration.
Only Republican Senators Rand Paul (Ky.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) broke ranks to vote against the resolution. Meanwhile, Democrats strongly opposed the measure, advocating for reforms to DHS’ immigration enforcement policies. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) previewed a series of votes during the “vote-a-rama” focused on cost-of-living and accountability issues, aiming to highlight Republican priorities and urge fiscal restraint.
The budget reconciliation process allows the Senate Republicans to advance the resolution with a simple majority, bypassing the 60-vote threshold normally required for legislation to proceed. This procedural path is critical as Democrats have pledged to block funding for ICE and CBP without reform following deadly incidents involving federal agents earlier this year.
DHS has faced a partial shutdown since February 14, after lawmakers failed to agree on reforms and funding. While most of DHS has been funded through traditional appropriations, ICE and certain CBP activities remain unfunded pending this budget reconciliation effort. The funding impasse has led to temporary pay directives for DHS employees under President Trump.
The House has indicated it will wait for the Senate’s reconciliation progress before approving full DHS funding. Senate Republicans plan to maintain pressure on the House to act swiftly because DHS officials warn the department’s funding will run out next month.
Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) briefly delayed the process by seeking to add provisions related to the GOP’s SAVE Act election bill and affordability measures but ultimately released his hold, allowing the vote to proceed. Kennedy stressed the importance of finalizing the reconciliation bill promptly, warning it would be the Senate’s last opportunity to include such funding and reforms this cycle.
Why it matters
This Senate vote marks a significant step in resolving the ongoing DHS funding crisis by enabling Republicans to fund ICE and border security agencies without Democratic input, using the budget reconciliation process. The decision reflects deep partisan divisions over immigration enforcement and could impact DHS operations and federal immigration policies through at least the end of the current administration.
Background
The funding deadlock for DHS escalated after two fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis in January, prompting Democrats to demand reforms to immigration enforcement before approving funds. The resulting partial government shutdown in February left ICE and parts of CBP unfunded. Republicans hold a 53-seat Senate majority, which enables them to utilize reconciliation to overcome Democratic opposition on budget-related matters.
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