On Thursday, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul voted against a budget resolution aimed at resolving the Department of Homeland Security's two-month shutdown.
• Murkowski's Opposition: Senator Murkowski opposed the resolution since it would facilitate a budget reconciliation package funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol for 3.5 years, thus removing them from the annual congressional appropriations process. She values oversight and annual funding for these agencies.
• Paul's Concerns: Senator Paul voted against the resolution due to concerns about an additional $70 billion for ICE and Border Patrol while these agencies still have over $100 billion in unused funds from the previous year's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He proposed an amendment to offset new ICE funding by cutting from other programs.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Paul emphasized the need for Congress to be responsible with taxpayer dollars, raising questions about large sums allocated previously for border security and immigration enforcement.
• Resolution Outcome: Despite their dissent, the resolution passed with a 50-48 vote. Senate Majority Leader Thune expressed hope that the House would adopt the resolution without changes to avoid delays.
The budget resolution’s passage is crucial for addressing the shutdown, but dissent from Murkowski and Paul highlights concerns about funding and accountability for immigration enforcement agencies.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5844598-murkowski-paul-budget-resolution/
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