Story perspectives

GOP Walkout Dooms $72B DHS Bill, Triggers New Reconciliation Push

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Republican leaders sent home early, causing Senate and House to return the $72 billion DHS bill after Memorial Day, causing its failure.
The bill’s $1.8 billion victim fund sparked Senate debates over eligibility, including for Jan 6 participants.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said none of reconciliation money will fund the settlement, while some Republicans demand guardrails.
House leaders are planning a “reconciliation 3.0” package aimed at an August deadline despite the bill’s collapse.

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Story summary

Republican leaders sent home early, causing Senate and House to return the $72 billion DHS bill after Memorial Day, causing its failure.
The bill’s $1.8 billion victim fund sparked Senate debates over eligibility, including for Jan 6 participants.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said none of reconciliation money will fund the settlement, while some Republicans demand guardrails.
House leaders are planning a “reconciliation 3.0” package aimed at an August deadline despite the bill’s collapse.