President Donald Trump is backing a Republican plan to bypass Democrats and fund key border agencies through the budget reconciliation process, escalating the fight over Department of Homeland Security funding.
In a public statement, Trump urged lawmakers to move quickly to secure funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, emphasizing that the approach would not require Democratic support in the Senate.
Budget reconciliation allows legislation to pass with a simple majority, avoiding the 60-vote filibuster threshold that has stalled broader negotiations. Trump made clear he wants a bill finalized and delivered to his desk by early June.
The push comes as Republicans look for a path forward after a Senate measure failed to fully fund ICE and Border Patrol. Trump’s endorsement strengthens efforts to use reconciliation specifically for those agencies, separating them from the wider DHS funding battle.
Sen. Rick Scott has supported the strategy, noting it could allow Republicans to act without relying on Democratic votes. He also reiterated his long-standing position in favor of eliminating the filibuster entirely, arguing it continues to block key legislation.
Other GOP leaders have floated variations of the plan. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer suggested a streamlined reconciliation bill could move quickly, while Sen. John Hoeven indicated lawmakers are also considering a longer-term funding solution.
At the same time, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and others have urged caution about eliminating the filibuster, warning it could eventually allow Democrats to pass their own agenda with a simple majority.
The standoff reflects deeper divisions in Congress over immigration policy and DHS funding. A House-passed short-term measure would extend funding temporarily, but negotiations remain deadlocked over broader reforms and enforcement priorities.
Trump has continued to press Republicans to take more aggressive action, including revisiting Senate rules, as he pushes to secure funding for border enforcement ahead of the next phase of legislative battles.
The post Trump Pushes GOP To Fund Border Agencies Without Democrats Using Reconciliation appeared first on Real News Now.
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