Senate Republicans Plan to Give Money to Border Police
Introduction
The United States Senate approved a budget plan. This plan gives money to ICE and Border Patrol. The plan does not need votes from Democrats.
Main Body
The Senate voted 50 to 48. Two Republicans voted with all Democrats against the plan. The plan allows up to $70 billion for ICE and Border Patrol. The money will last for about three years. Republicans want to pass the final law with only their votes. The problem started after two U.S. citizens died. Federal agents shot them in January 2026. Democrats wanted new rules for ICE and Border Patrol. They wanted agents to get a court order before entering homes. They also wanted agents to show their identification. The two sides could not agree. The Department of Homeland Security lost its money on February 14, 2026. This was the longest shutdown of a U.S. government department. In March 2026, the Senate passed a bill to fund other parts of the department. But it did not include ICE and Border Patrol. House Republican leaders did not vote on that bill. They wanted the Senate to show progress on funding ICE and Border Patrol. The new budget plan is that progress. Senate leader John Thune said the plan shows commitment to border security. Democrats tried to add amendments to lower health costs and help with food. All those amendments failed. Some Republicans voted for them. Senator John Kennedy tried to add a voting bill. His amendment also failed. The Senate approved a fund to pay for deporting some criminals. The head of Homeland Security said the department will run out of money in May 2026. About 500 TSA officers have already left their jobs. This caused long lines at airports. President Trump used executive orders to pay some workers. That money is now gone. The White House wants to use private security at small airports. Democrats do not like this idea. Democrats say the Republican plan gives money to agencies that are not responsible. They say it does not help with the high cost of living. Republican leader Chuck Schumer said the plan puts money into a 'rogue police force'. Republicans say Democrats are holding border security hostage.
Conclusion
The budget plan is a first step. The House of Representatives must also approve it. Then committees must write the final spending bill. The department will run out of money in early May. President Trump wants a signed bill by June 1. The time is short. The result depends on House Republicans. They must agree on the plan. The Senate must finish the process without more delays.