The GOP’s reconciliation bill funding ICE and Border Patrol represents another missed opportunity for Republicans in key races this fall.
Some moderate House Republicans were eager to work with Democrats on a package of reforms to immigration enforcement after federal agents shot and killed two protestors this January in Minneapolis.
But funding ICE and Border Patrol through reconciliation makes policy changes impossible unless they have a significant enough impact on the budget. And the GOP at large has little appetite for reforms after negotiations with Democrats fell apart.
“We would have certainly liked to have seen reforms, and we had a bipartisan package that we had put together,” said Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.), citing a bill from Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.).
Mods’ approach. Still, these vulnerable Republicans say they’ve supported ICE and CBP reforms and put the blame on Democrats for allowing the talks to fall apart. The moderates also tend to hate shutdowns, giving them an incentive to vote for reconciliation as long as it remains narrow.
Fitzpatrick said his message in his district will be: “Always fund the government and always seek to make positive reforms.”
Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) said the trouble with using reconciliation is that it limits policy changes.
“The reality is we should come to some sort of agreement,” Valadao added. “There was a process there. [Democrats are] choosing not to be a part of it, and it’s leaving us more vulnerable.”
California Rep. Kevin Kiley, who recently became an independent as he seeks reelection in a blue seat, said he’s heard concerns back home.
“I’ve been clear that I’d like to see some reforms to rebuild public trust, and I think there’s a lot that have bipartisan support,” Kiley said.
Republicans have also pointed to Trump administration-led changes at the Department of Homeland Security — including a new secretary — since the fatal shootings.
Some vulnerable Republicans also took the opportunity to go on offense against Democrats amid the months-long DHS shutdown.
“Democrats were offered reforms and rejected them,” Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) said. “Their handling of this has been a disaster.”
Democrats’ view. Democrats still see a political problem for the GOP, based on both what is and isn’t in the reconciliation bill. Senate Democrats spent the vote-a-rama — when they can offer unlimited amendments — pressuring GOP senators on cost of living issues.
“Pre-funding ICE with no reforms is a liability for them,” Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) told us. “But I think the greatest liability that they are facing is what they’re not doing.”
