Washington this week: House to debate $70 billion immigration funding bill

Senior Producer

WASHINGTON —

There is a big week ahead in Washington.

Starting Monday, the House will reconvene as lawmakers in the chamber prepare to debate a $70 billion reconciliation bill to fund immigration enforcement.

The bill passed the Senate last week following a marathon debate on proposed amendments and, if approved in the House, would fund President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda for the remainder of his term.

The bill directs $30 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and billions more to Customs and Border Protection, effectively prepaying the Department of Homeland Security through 2029 with minimal guardrails or directives on how the funds are spent.

The reconciliation package does not include language barring the administration from creating a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, designed to compensate individuals who the administration claims were unfairly targeted by the federal government.

Some moderate Republicans are pushing for restrictions on the fund, as every GOP vote remains critical in the tightly divided chamber.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche previously told lawmakers the administration would not be moving forward with the anti-weaponization fund. However, without restrictions in the bill, the option remains legally open for now.

Separately, the House recently passed an appropriations bill that cut millions in funding for fruit and vegetable benefits for children, pregnant women and postpartum women, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Republicans argue the remaining $8 billion in funding is sufficient, but advocates warn the cuts will reduce access to fresh foods as grocery prices rise due to the war in Iran.

The bill, which funds the Agriculture Department and other agencies, now heads to the Senate, where changes could be made before a final vote.

Business is not just ramping up on Capitol Hill. This week, the Supreme Court is also expected to release decisions on several high-profile cases. Opinions could include rulings on birthright citizenship, executive power, voting rights and whether states can legally ban transgender athletes from women’s sports teams.

Other cases involve the legality of counting mail-in ballots after Election Day, stripping temporary protected status for immigrants, and gun rights for drug users and lawful carrying in certain public places.

Trump also has events on his schedule this week. On Monday, he is expected to attend the NBA Finals in New York City, where the San Antonio Spurs will face the New York Knicks.

In Washington, the president continues to navigate stalled negotiations with Iran amid renewed violence in the region despite a fragile ceasefire. He is also preparing to meet with artificial intelligence executives to discuss future investments in their companies, which could take place later in the week.

Watch more on what is happening in Washington this week: