House Nears Funding Deal as Democrats Oppose Homeland Security Bill/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The House is set to vote on final government funding bills, but Democrats are fiercely opposing the Homeland Security measure over concerns about President Trump’s immigration policies. Tensions are high following a controversial ICE operation in Minneapolis. With a deadline approaching, both parties weigh the risks of a partial shutdown.
Homeland Security Funding Quick Looks
- House moves to pass remaining government funding bills before Jan. 30 deadline.
- Democrats strongly oppose the Homeland Security bill over immigration enforcement concerns.
- ICE operations and a recent fatal shooting fuel Democratic criticism.
- Speaker Mike Johnson confident GOP can pass the full package.
- The bill keeps ICE funding flat and adds oversight limits for DHS.
- Democrats say the bill lacks meaningful reform or accountability.
- Some swing-district Democrats face political pressure from both parties.
- Progressive groups urge Democrats to reject the DHS funding.
- The full package includes $1.2 trillion in total spending.
- Two-thirds of the budget supports defense, with additional funds for education, health, and housing.
Deep Look: Congressional Clash Over Homeland Security Bill Dominates Final Budget Debate
WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives is poised to take up the final batch of annual government spending bills on Thursday, hoping to avert a partial government shutdown before the fast-approaching January 30 deadline. However, a fierce internal battle is brewing within the Democratic ranks over one bill in particular: the measure funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Though Democrats have supported eight of the twelve annual appropriations bills already passed, the DHS bill has triggered vocal opposition due to its handling of immigration enforcement and the absence of substantial oversight over agencies like ICE.
Homeland Security Bill Under Fire
At the heart of the controversy is growing Democratic frustration with President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation agenda. These tensions have intensified after a fatal ICE enforcement action in Minneapolis, where Renee Good, a mother of three, was shot by an agent—an incident that prompted calls for greater accountability and oversight of the agency.
“There’s a very big concern about ICE being out of control,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.
During a closed-door caucus meeting, House Democratic leaders—including Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Katherine Clark (D-MA), and Pete Aguilar (D-CA)—announced their opposition to the Homeland Security bill. But despite their stance, Democrats are facing limited options to block or reshape the legislation.
Rep. DeLauro warned that refusing to pass a funding bill could result in a continuing resolution that maintains current spending levels and gives President Trump free rein. And few lawmakers are eager to risk a shutdown, even one limited to a few departments.
No Easy Choices for Democrats
The Homeland Security measure in question holds ICE’s budget at last year’s levels and adds some new oversight provisions. It also restricts Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from reallocating funds without Congressional approval. But many Democrats argue these changes are superficial.
Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the bill’s shortcomings but said, “We were able to add some oversight over Homeland… I intend to vote for the bill.”
Others weren’t convinced.
“I never support lawless operations,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH).
“If it’s the status quo, I’m a no,” added Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL).
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), a leading progressive, urged her colleagues not to “sell this as an improvement.” She criticized the limited reforms, such as a $20 million provision for ICE and Customs officers to use body cameras during enforcement.
“This is just a really horrific time,” Jayapal said. “We can’t treat this like it’s anything else. Our eyes are not lying to us.”
Political Pressure on All Sides
The situation is politically precarious for Democrats in competitive districts. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) issued statements attacking over 20 House Democrats, accusing them of catering to the “defund ICE” movement and undermining national security.
Meanwhile, liberal advocacy organizations are demanding a stronger response from Democrats.
“The DHS bill that was released clearly falls far short, and should be roundly rejected,” said Andrew O’Neill, national advocacy director for Indivisible. “Democratic leadership in both chambers should be actively whipping their caucus in opposition.”
This leaves centrist Democrats walking a tightrope between progressive pressure and conservative attacks.
GOP Confident in Passage
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) remains confident the funding package will pass, including the contentious DHS bill. With a slim majority, Republicans can afford only a few defections.
“All we do is win,” Johnson said, downplaying the controversy.
The full $1.2 trillion spending package allocates the majority of funds—roughly two-thirds—to the Department of Defense. The remainder supports key departments such as Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Transportation.
Shutdown Still Possible
Though most of the federal budget is mandatory and unaffected by annual appropriations—like Social Security and Medicare—the possibility of a partial government shutdown remains unless both chambers approve all 12 funding bills by the end of the month.
With the House set to vote and Senate action expected soon after, the DHS debate is shaping up as the biggest flashpoint in the final leg of the budget process.
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