Better News Network
Politics / Article

House Republicans Pass $70B Bill to Fund ICE, Border Patrol Until 2029

3 minute read

Published: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 12:40 am

House Republicans have successfully passed a significant funding bill, the Secure America Act, allocating nearly $70 billion to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The legislation, which cleared the House by a narrow 214-212 vote, authorizes three years of advance annual funding for these agencies, extending their financial security through 2029.

The bill designates approximately $38.5 billion for ICE and $22.6 billion for CBP. An additional $5 billion is allocated to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with a further $3.5 billion earmarked for border security infrastructure. This development follows a period of legislative maneuvering, with the Senate having previously passed the bill.

While initial reports suggested Democrats had held up funding for ICE and CBP, the text indicates that Republican lawmakers themselves were responsible for stalling a budget reconciliation bill as it approached final passage. The legislation was originally intended to be approved by both chambers by June 1. However, internal disagreements among Republicans regarding certain controversial provisions, which were ultimately removed, delayed its progress in the Senate.

Notably, Representative Kevin Kiley, an Independent from California, joined all House Democrats in voting against the Secure America Act. The passage of this bill comes after Congress previously approved funding for key components of the DHS in late April, excluding ICE and CBP, which had been subject to a 76-day shutdown.

Senator Lindsey Graham expressed his approval of the House Republicans' action, commending them for the swift passage of the Secure America Act. He stated that Republicans have now fully funded ICE and Border Patrol through what he described as President Trump's entire second term, totaling nearly $70 billion, and attributed this to countering Democratic efforts to shut down these agencies.

Several House Republicans, including Representatives David Kustoff and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, highlighted their support for the bill, emphasizing its role in providing federal law enforcement with necessary resources to ensure community safety. Scalise specifically pointed out that no House Democrats voted in favor of the bill, asserting that House Republicans delivered on border security demands. The Secure America Act now proceeds to President Donald Trump's desk for his signature.

BNN's Perspective:
The passage of the Secure America Act represents a significant legislative victory for House Republicans, securing substantial funding for critical border security and immigration enforcement agencies through 2029. The bill's bipartisan opposition in the House, however, underscores the ongoing divisions surrounding immigration policy and the allocation of resources. While proponents argue the funding is essential for national security and law enforcement, critics likely point to the potential implications of such long-term, advance funding and the political dynamics that led to its passage. The focus now shifts to the executive branch for final approval and the subsequent implementation of these measures.

Keywords: House Republicans, Secure America Act, ICE, CBP, funding, 2029, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, border security, infrastructure, budget reconciliation, Senate, President Donald Trump, law enforcement, national security

Full Story