Trump Signs $70 Billion Homeland Security Bill

President Donald Trump signed the $70 billion Republican-led homeland security bill. This occurred after the Senate’s version narrowly passed in the House despite the GOP’s slim majority.

From the Oval Office, Trump expressed his satisfaction in funding the Department of Homeland Security. He emphasized support for the “heroes of ICE and Border Patrol,” ensuring they have resources until the end of his term. He highlighted the bill’s importance for domestic law enforcement and protection against child exploitation.

Trump criticized congressional Democrats for attempting to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security. He accused them of seeking to spread chaos and crime, referencing former President Joe Biden’s administration as corrupt. Trump also criticized former Vice President Kamala Harris for her inaction in utilizing ICE and border patrol during her term as border czar.

He pointed out decreased fentanyl crossings due to law enforcement’s efforts, emphasizing a focus on land crossings given the challenges posed by sea routes.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise stressed the urgency in the House’s actions given heightened security threats. The package initially faced pushback from conservatives wanting to formalize Trump’s immigration orders, still missing the force of law.

The bill’s passage saw opposition from Senate Democrats and Republican Lisa Murkowski, who voted against it. However, the majority of the GOP emphasized full funding for ICE and Border Protection through the remainder of Trump’s term.

Rep. Pete Aguilar from California criticized the decision to provide extensive funding to ICE. He expressed concerns over the agency’s past actions in American communities.

Initially, Trump set a June 1 deadline for securing funding for ICE and Border Protection. However, differences within the party delayed progress. Some Republicans worried about the potential misuse of the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” referencing individuals linked to the events of January 6, 2021.

The bill’s passage followed months of Department of Homeland Security shutdowns caused by Democrats’ opposition to Trump’s immigration enforcement. Despite this, ICE had been previously funded via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in November.

Fox News Digital sought additional comments from the White House. Charles Creitz, a Pennsylvania native and journalist, has been part of Fox News since 2013, covering media, politics, and culture.