GOP Vows to ‘Break Backs’ in Funding Fights

GOP Vows to ‘Break Backs’ in Funding Fights

The Senate narrowly passed funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, in a 50-48 vote late last night. This vote, however, saw two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul, join all Democrats in opposition. This outcome has led to warnings from some Republicans that Democrats could force another government shutdown this fall, using funding battles as political leverage.

House Budget Committee member Chip Roy stated that while the Senate has taken a step forward, both chambers still need to agree on the final bill. He emphasized that Republicans are united in their goal to fund ICE and Border Patrol. Roy criticized Democrats for what he called shutting down DHS and rejecting funding, which he believes endangers Americans for political gain.

Broader Budgetary Goals

Roy suggested a more extensive approach, aiming to “break the back” of this political strategy by fully funding DHS. He also called for a broader use of reconciliation, a special legislative process that allows bills to pass with a simple majority in the Senate, bypassing the need for bipartisan support. The House now faces the decision of how to proceed with the Senate’s bill.

The congressman expressed frustration with the Democrats’ strategy, referencing comments by Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries about being “at war” with Republicans and the American people. Roy believes this acknowledgment proves Democrats are using federal funding as a weapon. He sees the Senate’s action as a reaction, and believes Republicans must find a way to get their job done, expecting this approach to pay off in the upcoming November elections.

Reconciliation Package Debate

The discussion then turned to the potential for a larger reconciliation package. Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Jason Smith, had previously argued for including more priorities in such a plan, rather than limiting it to immigration funding. Roy agreed with Smith’s sentiment, suggesting that the current opportunity should be used to address multiple Republican priorities.

Roy specifically mentioned wanting to see greater tax relief for middle-class Americans and expanded Health Savings Account options. He also highlighted the need to restock military munitions, which he stated have been depleted.

Funding these initiatives, he argued, could be offset by reducing government waste and fraud, particularly mentioning fraud in Minneapolis. He believes a comprehensive package would demonstrate to Americans that Republicans are funding national priorities and defending the President’s agenda.

‘Save America Act’ and Strategy

Smith further elaborated on the idea of a reconciliation plan, suggesting it could be a way to fund troops and secure the border. He advocated for a single, decisive reconciliation effort to achieve these goals efficiently, given the limited time left in the session before the election. He believes that incorporating the “Save America Act” into a budgetary item within the reconciliation bill is feasible.

Roy expressed strong agreement with Smith’s points but voiced concern about the Senate’s current operational procedures, which he feels allow the parliamentarian to block too many initiatives. He speculated that the opposition from Senators Murkowski and Paul might stem from not wanting to isolate ICE and Border Patrol funding by tying it to other, potentially more contentious, issues.

Offensive Stance Urged

Roy stressed the need for Republicans to go on the offensive, drawing a stark contrast between the parties’ motivations. He accused Democrats of blocking funding for immigration and border security to advance a “political Marxist agenda.” He also referenced a controversial redistricting plan in Virginia, hoping the state’s Supreme Court would strike it down.

“You can’t win a war that you don’t acknowledge exists,” Roy stated, echoing Jeffries’ “at war” comment. He urged Republicans to act aggressively, support a larger package, and defend the President’s agenda. He believes that if the current, narrower bill is passed, a third reconciliation package should follow quickly to address other key issues before the November elections.

Midterm Election Outlook

Regarding the upcoming midterm elections, a recent Fox News poll shows 52% of voters favoring Democrats compared to 47% for Republicans. Roy acknowledged the need for Republicans to get on offense with their message, despite believing the President is doing a good job. He argued that the border is currently secure but needs to be codified, and that the U.S. is stronger globally, with renewed respect for its military and a trending economy.

He believes Americans are safer, the economy is improving, and spending is under control, though more needs to be done to combat inflation and increase affordability. Roy insisted that Republicans must stop letting Democrats seize the agenda and should not allow them to shut down government functions by blocking critical funding. He reiterated that losing is not an option, especially with what he described as Marxists aiming to “destroy this country.” He concluded by referencing the Virginia election results, hoping for a similar outperformance nationwide, contingent on favorable court rulings regarding redistricting.

Source: GOP lawmaker on DHS funding: We're 'going to break the back of the Democrats on this' (YouTube)