GOP eyes $90B for border wall, new border agents in Trump agenda bill
House Republicans are making moves to allocate $68.8 billion for President Donald Trump’s border wall and to increase the number of agents in the field as discussions on a comprehensive bill to advance the president’s agenda continue.
While Trump’s focus during his first term was primarily on constructing a physical barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border, the legislation currently being considered looks to modernize border security with $46.5 billion designated for an integrated “border barrier system.” This system would include physical fencing, updated surveillance tools, improved roads, and enhanced lighting.
The bill also seeks to allocate $5 billion for new facilities and personnel for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a priority that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been advocating for since Trump returned to the White House.
Specifically, the legislation proposes to dedicate $4.1 billion to fund new front-line personnel to patrol the border, as well as provide incentives such as retention bonuses for new and existing CBP staff. An additional $2 billion is set aside for these measures. The bill also includes $813 million for modernizing CBP’s fleet of vehicles, which have been experiencing mechanical issues and high maintenance costs.
In terms of technology, the legislation allocates $2.7 billion for an array of modern tools that agents can utilize to combat illegal immigration at the border. This includes ground sensors, drones, radar, and remote surveillance technology. Additionally, $673 million is designated for upgrades to the U.S.’s biometrics system to track illegal migrants.
The bill also includes funding for new and updated air and maritime platforms, as well as resources for threat assessment and logistical planning for upcoming international events in the U.S., such as the 2028 Summer Olympics and the World Cup soccer championships.
Other funding items in the legislation include $1 million to commemorate American victims of illegal immigrant crime and $500 million to target cartel drug smuggling at the border.
Border security remains a top priority for congressional Republicans in the budget reconciliation process. The Homeland Security Committee has been tasked with utilizing up to $90 billion in new spending to achieve these goals.
Trump administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and immigration czar Tom Homan, have underscored the importance of increased funding to implement the president’s agenda. A memo from DHS to House and Senate Republicans warned that failure to pass the legislation would undo the successes of the Trump administration.
Budget reconciliation allows for certain items related to federal spending, taxes, and the national debt to pass with a simple majority in the Senate, bypassing the usual 60-vote threshold. This enables the party in control of the House, Senate, and White House to push through significant reforms without opposition.
House Republicans are using reconciliation to advance various aspects of Trump’s agenda, including border security, fossil fuel energy initiatives, national defense, and tax policies. This includes extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and fulfilling promises to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime pay, and retirees’ social security.
Overall, the proposed legislation underscores the continued focus on border security and immigration enforcement within the Republican Party. With ongoing discussions and negotiations, the final outcome of the bill remains to be seen.
