The House narrowly advanced a budget reconciliation package on Tuesday that would provide nearly $70 billion in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol operations. The chamber approved a procedural rule by a vote of 213 to 211, clearing the way for debate and a final vote on the Republican-backed measure.
The rule vote briefly appeared in jeopardy as Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, who serves as policy chair for House Republicans, and other members raised concerns. No Democrats voted in favor of the rule. Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana presided over the proceedings as the bill advanced through its procedural hurdles.
The reconciliation package represents one of the largest proposed investments in immigration enforcement operations. Budget reconciliation is a legislative process that allows certain spending and tax bills to pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing the typical 60-vote threshold required to overcome a filibuster. Republicans are using this tool to advance their immigration enforcement priorities.
The funding would flow to ICE and Border Patrol, the two main agencies responsible for interior enforcement and border security. The bill comes as congressional Republicans have made immigration enforcement a central legislative priority. The narrow margin on the procedural vote suggests the final passage vote could also be tight, with little room for Republican defections.
The measure now moves to floor debate, where amendments may be offered before a final vote. The House action represents the latest step in a broader Republican effort to reshape immigration policy through the budget reconciliation process.