Senate Budget Chairman Lindsey Graham’s recently released budget plan includes full funding for President Trump’s border wall proposal, seeking to head off a counterproposal that would offer just a fraction of the money Mr. Trump wants. Here’s what you need to know about the border wall funding battle:
Graham’s full funding proposal
South Carolina Republican supports Trump’s complete request:
- $46.5 billion included for border wall construction
- $45 billion in new money for ICE mass deportation plans
- Added billions for other immigration operations at border and interior
- $10 billion to reimburse states for Biden-era illegal immigrant costs
Paul’s counter-proposal
Homeland Security chairman offers reduced alternative:
- $6.5 billion in wall money proposed instead
- Several billion dollars for other border funding included
- Money for checkpoints and port technology proposed
- Paul complains administration estimate represents three-fold cost increase
The cost justification debate
White House defends higher spending levels:
- Paul said White House hasn’t justified the cost increase
- Graham said “terrific” briefing by Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller answered questions
- Graham believes president’s plan “has been fully justified”
- Paul’s office argues Trump already cut border crossings without additional wall money
Graham’s defense of full funding
Budget chairman commits to supporting president’s plan:
- “President promised to secure our border. His plan fulfills that promise”
- “The Senate must do our part” according to Graham
- Says Miller briefing provided adequate justification for costs
- Believes border security plan deserves complete funding
Paul’s alternative rationale
Homeland Security chairman argues for efficiency:
- Says Trump already managed to cut illegal crossings dramatically
- Calls the cost “too extravagant” for additional wall money
- Plan “delivers everything needed to finish the job”
- Includes “secure wall, thousands of new agents, expanded detention capacity”
The reconciliation package context
Border funding part of broader Republican agenda:
- Plans are part of Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill”
- Unified Republican budget reconciliation package
- Contains much of president’s early second-term agenda
- Additional funding includes money for upcoming sporting events coverage
Immigrant rights groups’ concerns
Advocacy organizations oppose increased enforcement funding:
- Complain about size of immigration enforcement funding
- Argue Trump already secured border without additional wall-building
- Fear ICE cash infusion will expand arrests beyond serious criminals
- Worry about targeting illegal immigrants with lesser offenses
Grassley’s fee proposal
Judiciary chairman adds financial deterrents:
- $1,000 fee imposed on asylum application filing
- $100 fee for every year application remains pending
- $1,000 fee for migrants “paroled” into U.S.
- $550 fee for employment authorization seekers
Additional fee structure
New costs for previously free applications:
- $500 fee for Temporary Protected Status seekers
- $500 fee for juveniles seeking special status
- Applications previously free as part of humanitarian mission
- Fees designed to deter abuse of immigration system
Enhanced border operations funding
Money would support expanded enforcement:
- Hiring more Border Patrol agents
- Enhancing background checks for new arrivals
- Paying for buses and flights for deportations
- Supporting deportation of unauthorized migrants back home
Read more:
• Senate GOP budget plan gives Trump full funding for border wall
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