Senate GOP Pushes $340B Budget for Mass Deportations and Border Wall, Faces Democratic Opposition
February 19, 2025
On February 17, 2025, Senate Republicans advanced a significant $340 billion budget bill aimed at funding mass deportations and enhancing border security, aligning with President Trump's legislative priorities.
The budget proposal includes substantial allocations, with $175 billion earmarked for border security, which encompasses funding for mass deportations and the construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, alongside a $150 billion increase for Pentagon defense spending.
Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham emphasized the urgency for funding, indicating that the White House is actively involved in discussions to address border security concerns.
House GOP leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, are preparing to propose a more comprehensive budget resolution that seeks broader tax cuts and spending reductions, which may conflict with the Senate's approach.
The outcome of this budget will have significant implications for Trump's immigration and tax policies as negotiations continue ahead of the 2024 election cycle.
Moderate Republicans in the House have voiced concerns about potential cuts to critical services like Medicaid, complicating party unity as they prepare to address their own budget resolution.
The budget bill passed on a party-line vote of 50-47, reflecting a broader Republican strategy to implement Trump's agenda despite facing significant opposition from Democrats.
Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, criticized the bill, arguing it primarily benefits wealthy tax cuts while undermining essential services for the average American.
The budget resolutions are being processed under reconciliation rules, allowing them to pass with a simple majority, which is a strategy increasingly utilized by both parties to enact significant legislation.
This budget package is estimated to cost approximately $85.5 billion annually over four years, funded through a combination of proposed cuts and new revenue sources.
Graham also highlighted the need for timely action to support immigration enforcement, suggesting that spending cuts would be necessary to offset the new expenditures.
Despite Republican control of both the House and Senate, they face challenges in advancing the president's agenda due to significant Democratic opposition.
Summary based on 10 sources
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Sources

Yahoo News • Feb 19, 2025
Senate GOP pushes ahead with budget bill that funds Trump's mass deportations and border wall
U.S. News & World Report • Feb 19, 2025
Senate GOP Pushes Ahead With Budget Bill That Funds Trump's Mass Deportations and Border Wall
Roll Call • Feb 19, 2025
Senate GOP ready to advance slimmer budget blueprint - Roll Call