Senate Advances Secure America Act Reconciliation Bill 53-46 After Rejecting EPA Rule Disapproval 46-53
The Senate convened for a major session, primarily focusing on a reconciliation bill, S. 2, the Secure America Act, aimed at funding U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A motion to proceed to this bill was agreed to by a vote of 53-46. Prior to this, a motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 188, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution to overturn the Trump EPA's repeal of the Biden MATS rule, was rejected by a vote of 46-53. The day's proceedings highlighted a stark contrast in party priorities, with Republicans emphasizing border security and law enforcement funding, and Democrats raising concerns about ICE abuses, the cost of living, and the use of reconciliation for partisan measures.
The successful motion to proceed to the Secure America Act (S. 2) sets the stage for a significant legislative battle over immigration enforcement funding and related policies, utilizing the reconciliation process to bypass the filibuster. The rejection of the CRA on the MATS rule indicates the Senate's stance on environmental regulations and energy policy, preserving the Trump administration's repeal of stricter emissions standards. These actions reflect deep partisan divisions on key issues of federal spending, immigration, and environmental protection.
Secure America Act
S. 2Question before the chamber
The question before the Senate was the motion to proceed to S. 2, a bill to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33.
The case for
Senator Thune highlighted the bill's focus on funding Border Patrol and ICE, calling it a vote for safe communities and secure borders. He noted the success of the Trump administration in ending "catch-and-release" and securing the border, citing the arrest of Chinese nationals in military camouflage as evidence of ongoing threats. Senator Barrasso emphasized the need to fully fund border security to protect American citizens from illegal immigrant criminals and cartels, contrasting Republican commitment to law enforcement with Democratic efforts to "defund border security." Senator Schmitt argued that mass migration drives up the cost of living, and more deportations would lower rents, raise wages, and strengthen the American middle class by reducing competition in labor and housing markets.
The case against
Senator Schumer criticized the bill as advancing Donald Trump's priorities, including a "corrupt slush fund" and tax immunity for his family, rather than focusing on lowering costs for Americans. He highlighted the "rampant corruption" of the administration and the lack of accountability for ICE. Senator Durbin denounced the proposed funding for ICE as disproportionate, noting it's larger than the U.S. Marine Corps' appropriation, and criticized ICE's targeting of non-criminal undocumented individuals like DACA holder Juan Chavez Velasco. Senator Smith recounted the violence and trauma caused by "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota, including civilian deaths, and argued the bill provides excessive funding to ICE without necessary guardrails or accountability for abuses. Senator Padilla echoed concerns about the President's priorities, the "abomination of a ballroom," the "Anti-Weaponization Fund," and the appointment of an "unqualified" DNI, arguing the bill misplaces priorities by funding ICE without oversight while Americans struggle with costs. Senator Hickenlooper criticized the administration for giving tax dollars to criminals, spending trillions on bombs and tax breaks for billionaires, and gutting benefits, leading to a cost-of-living emergency exacerbated by the war in Iran and tariffs.
Disposition
Motion to proceed to S. 2 · recorded vote
Agreed to
Yeas 53, Nays 46
Amendments
- Amendment No. 5453, proposed by Mr. Graham, strikes all after the enacting clause and inserts the text of the "Secure America Act," which appropriates funds for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for personnel, border security technology, and immigration enforcement activities. (Mr. GRAHAM) — Called up, reading dispensed with.
Who is affected
- American taxpayers: Funding for immigration enforcement, potential for subsidizing lawbreaking, impact on cost of living, potential for tax breaks for wealthy.
- Illegal immigrants and DACA recipients: Increased risk of detention and deportation, particularly for those without criminal records or with pending legal status.
- Communities in border states and sanctuary cities: Increased federal enforcement presence, strained public services, and potential for conflict with local authorities.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel: Significant increase in funding, personnel, and resources for operations.
- American workers and families: Debated impact on wages, housing costs, and access to social programs due to federal spending priorities and immigration policies.
- Victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse: Increased resources for investigators and forensics analysts to identify and rescue victims.
S.J. Res. 188, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ``National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units: Final Repeal''
S.J. Res. 188Question before the chamber
The question before the Senate was the motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 188.
The case for
Senator Whitehouse argued that the Trump EPA's repeal of the Biden MATS rule rolled back "lifesaving standards" restricting emissions of dangerous air pollutants like mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium from coal- and oil-fired power plants. He stated that approximately 80 million Americans, including 17 million children, live within 3 miles of these plants and are exposed to unacceptable health risks without strong rules. He urged a "yes" vote to protect these children.
The case against
Senator Capito argued that the Trump administration "rightfully repealed these unnecessary and stringent standards." She stated that in 2020, the EPA found existing MATS standards were protective of public health and that mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants were already down 90% by 2021. She asserted that the Biden-era rule was designed to shut down coal-fired power plants, creating a grid reliability crisis and increasing power prices, and that the CRA would return to these "failed policies."
Disposition
Motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 188 · recorded vote
Rejected
Yeas 46, Nays 53
Who is affected
- Public health, especially children near power plants: Continued exposure to toxic air pollutants due to less stringent emissions standards.
- Coal and oil-fired power plants: Avoidance of compliance costs associated with stricter emissions standards.
- Energy consumers: Potential for lower power prices (as argued by opponents of the CRA) or continued reliance on fossil fuels.
Senate Rejects Effort to Overturn EPA Rule
highA motion to proceed to S.J. Res. 188, which sought to disapprove the Trump EPA's repeal of the Biden MATS rule, was rejected by a vote of 46-53. This outcome maintains the Trump administration's less stringent emissions standards for coal- and oil-fired power plants.
Senate Advances Secure America Act Reconciliation Bill
highThe Senate voted 53-46 to agree to a motion to proceed to S. 2, the Secure America Act, a reconciliation bill. This action allows the Senate to consider a bill that significantly increases funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, bypassing the 60-vote threshold typically required for legislation.
Graham Amendment Proposes Substantial Funding for Border Security and Immigration Enforcement
highSenator Graham introduced Amendment No. 5453, which replaces the text of S. 2. This amendment proposes over $60 billion in new appropriations for CBP and ICE for fiscal year 2026, with specific allocations for hiring agents, technology, and operations, including $350 million for arresting "covered unlawful aliens" in non-cooperating jurisdictions.
Democrats Raise Concerns Over ICE Abuses and Misplaced Priorities
mediumDuring debate on S. 2, Democratic senators voiced strong opposition to the proposed funding for ICE, citing concerns about past abuses during "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota, the separation of children from parents, and the lack of accountability and guardrails for federal immigration enforcement. They also criticized the administration's broader priorities, contrasting the proposed spending with cuts to social programs and rising costs for Americans.
Budgetary Revisions Reflect Significant Funding Increases
mediumThe Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Mr. Graham, announced budgetary revisions to accommodate S. 2 and Amendment No. 5453, increasing budget authority and outlays for Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Judiciary committees, indicating a substantial federal investment in the bill's objectives.