On March 31, 2026, Newt Gingrich expressed concerns about a provision in the latest Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding legislation, questioning why Senate Republicans would permit what he called “totally inappropriate” language. The week prior, the Senate approved a funding agreement that notably excluded financial support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol under unanimous consent, raising alarms about the implications for immigration enforcement.
During his appearance on “Kudlow” on Fox News, Gingrich pointed out the problematic wording of the bill: “What it says is no money in this bill can be spent on ICE.” He articulated his confusion over why such a provision was allowed, suggesting it conflicts with the responsibilities of immigration enforcement. “I don’t fully understand why the Republicans would have tolerated that section,” he stated. This sentiment echoes a growing frustration among conservatives who feel that immigration enforcement is being undermined.
The House had narrowly passed a stopgap bill that funds DHS through May 2026, yet the exclusion of ICE funding raised significant concerns about operational capabilities. Gingrich addressed the confusion surrounding the legislative process, stating, “It’s very clear, it’s very specific,” and lamented the lack of clarity from Senate Republicans on their decision-making. The failure of the Senate to advance the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act exacerbates these worries. This legislation would have mandated proof of citizenship for voters and aimed to remove non-citizens from voter rolls, but it has stalled, indicating deeper issues within the party regarding election integrity.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune was questioned about the progress of legislation, responding, “We made some temporary headway, but we got a lot of work to do still.” His comments reflect the uphill battle Republicans face in aligning their strategies and addressing the concerns of their base. Notably, Rep. Randy Fine criticized Thune on social media, expressing disappointment that the SAVE Act was neglected and pledging to stay in Washington until a resolution is reached. This public rebuke highlights the internal divisions in the party and the urgency for lawmakers to address voter integrity promptly.
As various states, including Florida and Mississippi, move forward with their own versions of the SAVE Act, the controversy around voting laws intensifies. The bill passed in Florida, signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, has already encountered legal challenges from liberal groups. Critics argue that such measures could disenfranchise voters, particularly women who may have changed their names due to marriage.
The dialogue surrounding these issues exposes the tension between the need for effective immigration policy and the intricacies of voting rights. For Gingrich, the current situation serves as a wake-up call for Republicans—especially in the Senate—to clarify their positions and prioritize effective governance that aligns with their constituents’ demands. As the clock ticks down to future elections, the ramifications of their decisions will resonate strongly among the electorate.
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