Senate Appropriations Panel Approves Border Spending Bill, House Could Pass Its Version First

June 20, 2019

The GOP-led Senate Appropriation Committee passed a $4.59 billion in emergency funding bill Wednesday to address the surge of Central American migrants arriving at the southern border, Roll Call reported.

The supplemental legislation would provide emergency funding for border activities to DOD, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and the Justice Department, according to the report.

The measure would provide border emergency funding below President Donald Trump’s request, but leaders of both parties said it also does not include contentious provisions that could derail passage.

The bill includes additional humanitarian aid Democrats sought, but also would continue to provide funding for border detention activities and a continued military presence.

It includes $145 million for the DOD to perform medical, surveillance and maintenance activities at the border.

“This package does not include everything I wanted; it does not include everything Vice Chairman Leahy wanted,” said Appropriations Committee Chairman Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.). “But most importantly, it does not include poison pills from either party.”

The bill does not provide funding for a border wall or additional detention beds, according to Politico. The Democrat-led House is moving its own bill for a vote as soon as Tuesday, but differences between the Capitol Hill versions make final passage uncertain, according to the report.

Both chambers hope to get an emergency aid package to the president before July 4 recess.

U.S Customs and Border Protection photo by Mani Albrecht

June 20, 2019

Recent News

Post-Leadership, McConnell Plans to Push for More Defense Funding

Post-Leadership, McConnell Plans to Push for More Defense Funding

When Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell steps down from his Senate leadership role after the November elections, he’ll have at least two more years in the Senate. Now he’s signaled one of his priorities as a rank-and-file Senator is to increase defense funding,...

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed a bill this week to make it easier for military spouses to start work with a license from another state, according to a press release. “Our veterans and military families have dedicated their lives and undergo great sacrifice in...

Snap of the Week

Snap of the Week

Airmen and Family Readiness at the 121st Air Refueling Wing invited airmen to bring their children to work at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, April 25. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ivy Thomas

Ukraine Aid on the Way, Biden and Gen. Brown Say

Ukraine Aid on the Way, Biden and Gen. Brown Say

President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion package Wednesday morning that provides aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. After a long delay, the House passed the package Saturday, and the Senate followed Tuesday. “It’s a good day for America, it’s a good day for Europe,...

PAST STORIES