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As Costs Soar Nationwide, Republicans Approve Up To $140 Billion For ICE & Border Patrol, Block Every Democratic Effort To Lower Prices For American Families

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senate Republicans passed their budget resolution, which authorizes up to $140 billion more in funding for ICE and Border Patrol — while voting down every single Democratic amendment aimed at lowering costs for American families.

At a time when Americans are being crushed by the rising cost of gas, groceries, housing, and health care, Republicans chose to double down on enforcement — and not to deliver relief.

These same agencies are already sitting on tens of billions in unspent funds from the last reconciliation bill. Yet Republicans are handing them even more — with no new accountability, no reforms, and no relief for families.

Tonight was a night of contrasts.

  • Democrats: Lower costs — gas, health care, housing
  • Republicans: More money for an out-of-control police force with no accountability and no oversight

“$140 billion for ICE. $0 to lower your costs. That’s the choice Republicans made tonight,” said Leader Schumer. “While families are paying more for gas, groceries, and housing, Republicans are writing a $140 billion dollar check to Trump’s enforcement machine. Democrats forced vote after vote to lower costs — and Republicans blocked every single one. If they say they care about affordability, tonight they had the chance to prove it — and they failed. Republicans can rest assured that when reconciliation comes back up in a few weeks, they are going to face these votes again. Democrats are going to hold Republicans’ feet to the fire because the American people demand it.”

Among the amendments Republicans BLOCKED tonight were ones that would:

  • Lower out-of-pocket health care costs
  • Reverse cuts to SNAP and reduce grocery prices
  • Stop insurance companies from delaying or denying care
  • Expand access to school meals
  • Lower costs driven by tariffs and the war in Iran
  • Reduce child care costs
  • Address rising electricity prices
  • Crack down on hedge funds driving up housing costs
  • Lower prescription drug prices

Here is a list of the amendments that were voted on tonight:

  1. Schumer #4799 — Lower Health Care Costs
  2. Luján #4798 — Lower Grocery Costs / Protect SNAP
  3. Ossoff #4897 — Stop Insurance Company Delays
  4. Graham #5281 — Deportation
  5. Hirono-Van Hollen #4884 — Protect School Meals
  6. Hickenlooper #4956 — Lower Costs from Tariffs & Iran War
  7. Alsobrooks #5294 — Lower Child Care Costs
  8. Kennedy #5414 — SAVE America Act
  9. Hawley #4794 — Abortion Providers
  10. Markey #5001 — Lower Electricity Costs
  11. Paul #5378 — Offsets/Cuts
  12. Merkley #5235 — Take Housing Back from Hedge Funds
  13. Sanders #5159 — Reduce Drug Prices in America
  14. Padilla #4855 — Stop Overfunding ICE/Border Patrol
  15. Wyden #5336 — Provide Transparency on Secret Drug Deals
  16. Schiff #5333 — Stop Blocking FEMA Funds for Community Disaster Recovery and Preparedness

Bottom line: Republicans chose more money for enforcement — and nothing to lower costs for American families.

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