loading . . . House Advances Funding Bills as Democrats Split Over ICE Oversight Washington, D.C. — The House on Thursday approved its final slate of fiscal year 2026 government funding bills, clearing a major legislative hurdle and marking a milestone for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) after months of negotiations and internal divisions.
Lawmakers passed a three-bill minibus covering the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Labor, and Education by a wide 341–88 margin. In a separate and far more contentious vote, the House narrowly approved funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by a 220–207 vote, overcoming strong opposition from most Democrats.
Democratic resistance centered on concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly following the fatal shooting of Minneapolis woman Renee Good by an ICE officer. Party leaders argued the bill failed to impose sufficient oversight and accountability. The DHS measure did include concessions, such as a $115 million reduction in ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, 5,500 fewer detention beds, $1.8 billion less for Border Patrol, $20 million for ICE body cameras, and expanded oversight through internal watchdog offices.
Only seven Democrats broke with their party to support the DHS bill: Don Davis of North Carolina, Tom Suozzi of New York, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, Laura Gillen of New York, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, and Jared Golden of Maine. Some cited broader agency funding, including disaster relief and border management, as justification.
The House will combine the four bills with an earlier minibus and send the package to the Senate, which is expected to take it up before a Jan. 30 deadline.
Sources:
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The Hill – MBFC Rating
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