Story perspectives

Senate Delays $70 B Enforcement Bill, Misses Trump Deadline

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senators left after a briefing with Todd Blanche on the DOJ’s $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund.
They postponed the vote on a $70 billion enforcement package funding ICE and Border Patrol, a $1 billion request, and the anti-weaponization fund.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said settlement complicates legislation, while Cassidy and McConnell called fund wrong and urged restrictions.
Congress will miss President Donald Trump’s June 1 deadline as lawmakers entered a Memorial Day recess.

History

Historical Context

After the Homeland Security Act was signed by President George W. Bush in November 2002, the 2003 appropriations bill allocated $5.7 billion to Customs and Border Protection and the new Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That funding model now resurfaces as the Senate debates a $70 billion enforcement package and a $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund, echoing the original struggle to finance DHS priorities.

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Story summary

Senators left after a briefing with Todd Blanche on the DOJ’s $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund.
They postponed the vote on a $70 billion enforcement package funding ICE and Border Patrol, a $1 billion request, and the anti-weaponization fund.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said settlement complicates legislation, while Cassidy and McConnell called fund wrong and urged restrictions.
Congress will miss President Donald Trump’s June 1 deadline as lawmakers entered a Memorial Day recess.

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