Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has raised a significant red flag regarding the recent funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The crux of his concern stems from a section of the bill that he describes as “totally inappropriate.” Last Friday, the Senate passed a deal that excluded funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, using a unanimous consent agreement to move things along. However, just hours later, the House passed a stopgap measure that did include appropriations for immigration enforcement.
Gingrich, speaking on the show “Kudlow,” delved into the implications of the bill. He expressed his bewilderment, stating, “What it says is no money in this bill can be spent on ICE.” This language raises questions, particularly as the context suggests that funding from a previously approved budget cannot cover operational needs for ICE. Gingrich’s pointed remarks reflect a stark disconnect within the legislative process. “I don’t fully understand why the Republicans would have tolerated that section,” he said, emphasizing his frustration with the lack of clarity from Senate Republicans on this matter.
The situation only deepened with the Senate’s failure to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This legislation aimed to impose strict requirements for voter registration, including proof of citizenship and stricter voter ID rules, while also removing non-citizens from voter rolls. Questions arose when Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune responded to a query about whether everything was on track. “We made some temporary headway, but we got a lot of work to do still,” he said, a statement that seemed to downplay the urgency of the current legislative impasse.
Criticism soon followed, notably from Florida Rep. Randy Fine, who openly slammed Thune for what he perceived as a lack of commitment. Fine’s frustration was evident when he noted, “Looks like Leader John Thune is on his way out of town with his private escort, as the SAVE America Act gets left behind. This is very disappointing.” Fine’s comments highlight a growing impatience among some Republican lawmakers who feel that vital issues are being left unresolved.
As discussions around funding and legislative priorities unfold, Gingrich’s observations resonate profoundly. The failure to adequately address issues such as funding for immigration enforcement and the stalled SAVE Act underscores a deep divide within the party. Clear communication and unified strategy will be critical for Republicans moving forward, as the stakes for both the party and the public hinge on effective governance and accountability.
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