Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) outlined on Apr. 22 how Senate Republicans intend to fully fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the United States Border Patrol using the budget reconciliation process.
The funding debate comes as Republicans seek to secure more than $70 billion for immigration enforcement and border security over the next three years. Barrasso said, “The choice is simple. Fund law enforcement or block it. Fund border security or block it. The American people are watching. They will remember who voted to protect law abiding American citizens, and who voted to protect illegal immigrant criminals.”
Barrasso addressed his remarks directly to ICE and Border Patrol personnel, stating, “Republicans honor your unwavering service and sacrifice. You know that Democrats, through their words and actions, do not.” He criticized Democratic leaders for what he described as repeated efforts to block funding for these agencies: “Democrats have blocked funding for the Department of Homeland Security not once, not twice, but sixteen times.”
According to Barrasso’s prepared statement, he accused Democrats of putting political interests ahead of national security: “Through their actions, Democrats are putting the safety and security of our nation behind the safety and security of their political careers.” He added that Republicans would use budget reconciliation so they can proceed without relying on Democratic votes.
Barrasso also pointed out that last year’s Republican-led legislation provided nearly $165 billion in border security investment as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts law. He claimed this resulted in zero illegal immigrants being released into the country over nearly a year.
Beyond his legislative activities on immigration policy, Barrasso resides with his three children in Casper according to his official website. He chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Public Lands, Forests and Mining Subcommittee according to his official website, supports policies promoting energy affordability for Wyoming ranchers according to his official website, operates offices across Wyoming according to his official website, has been recognized as Wyoming Physician of the Year according to his official website, and focuses on state priorities such as economy, energy, public lands, national parks, and trade according to his official website.
In closing remarks directed at Senate colleagues who support reforming ICE rather than continued funding levels proposed by Republicans, Barrasso said: “You rejected every single opportunity for common sense, cooperation, and compromise… The point has always been to abolish ICE [and] abolish Border Patrol… Today’s Democrat Party owns that shameful record.”
