Staff Reports
The homeland security appropriations package will include funds for the border wall and other border security measures as part of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's (R-CA) strategy to placate conservatives. This action is a reaction to conservative demands that every funding measure must contain these clauses. The specifics of McCarthy's strategy were made public in a paper that the Washington Examiner was able to obtain. It contrasts the provisions of H.R. 2, the border security bill that the House passed earlier this year, with those that will be included in the homeland security appropriations bill for fiscal 2024.
https://x.com/dcexaminer/status/1701881709732458612?s=20
McCarthy is hoping to have the homeland security spending package passed before the deadline of September 30. The House is expected to take up three legislation before then. The plan calls for spending $2.1 billion on the border wall, which must be completed within 120 days. In addition, $305 million and $276 million for border technology and nonintrusive inspection, respectively, are included. A total of 22,000 Border Patrol agents and 98,000 hours of air and marine flight time will be funded by the measure.
Furthermore, the measure forbids funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that offer services to migrants, including the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and the Shelter Services Program. Additionally, it forbids the use of funds for the transportation of undocumented immigrants into the nation's interior and the demolition of current obstacles.
A number of policy proposals are also included in the homeland security funding bill. It forbids the Department of Homeland Security from requiring its employees to have received the COVID-19 vaccine, gives priority to the detention of undocumented immigrants, calls for the public release of different Border Patrol and immigration data, and demands the surveillance of persons during the immigration process.
The Republican conference places a high premium on border security, and some members have threatened to vote against continuing resolutions or appropriations bills if enough steps are not made to strengthen border security. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) berated Senate Democrats and the White House for not making border security a top priority, emphasizing the need to secure the border.
It's encouraging to see House Speaker Kevin McCarthy voice his support for border security and listen to conservative grievances. The appropriations bill's funding for the border wall and other security measures demonstrates a commitment to securing American citizens' safety and defending our country's boundaries. It is imperative that we uphold our immigration laws and give national security first priority. McCarthy is making progress by announcing plans to imprison undocumented immigrants and providing cash for the border wall. It's time for Republicans and Senate Democrats to collaborate to protect our border and acknowledge the seriousness of this problem.
