Story perspectives

Republicans Pass $70B ICE Budget via Reconciliation, 50-48

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate Republicans used reconciliation to approve a $70 billion ICE and Border Patrol budget on April 23, 2026, passing 50-48.
The process bypassed the 60-vote filibuster threshold, allowing passage with a simple majority.
Only Senators Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul joined Democrats in opposing the measure, showing near-party unity.
The resolution seeks to end the partial DHS shutdown that began February 14, requiring the House to act before President Donald Trump’s June 1 deadline.

History

Historical Context

The Budget Reconciliation Act of 2010, passed on March 30, enabled the Affordable Care Act to extend healthcare coverage to 32 million Americans by circumventing Senate filibuster rules. This legislative strategy, established by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, has since been employed to advance partisan priorities, as seen in the recent Senate approval of a $70 billion budget for ICE and Border Patrol.

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Story summary

Senate Republicans used reconciliation to approve a $70 billion ICE and Border Patrol budget on April 23, 2026, passing 50-48.
The process bypassed the 60-vote filibuster threshold, allowing passage with a simple majority.
Only Senators Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul joined Democrats in opposing the measure, showing near-party unity.
The resolution seeks to end the partial DHS shutdown that began February 14, requiring the House to act before President Donald Trump’s June 1 deadline.

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