House Republicans Propose Record $4.1 Billion for 50,000 Detention Beds
House Republicans Push for 50,000 Detention Beds in New Homeland Security Bill
According to Washington Times, House Republicans have introduced a new homeland security spending bill that includes funding for 50,000 detention beds for migrants awaiting deportation. This is an increase from the current level of 41,500 and double the 25,000 beds that President Biden had initially proposed. The bill also allocates money for border wall construction and directs Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to begin building immediately. Republicans argue that the $4.1 billion dedicated to detention and deportation in the bill sets a new record and is necessary to address the dangerous and inhumane situation at the southern border. They believe that detaining migrants is crucial for combating illegal immigration as detaining them allows for their eventual removal. On the other hand releasing them often leads to difficulties in removing them later which in turn encourages more illegal immigration.
During the early years of the
Biden administration Congress provided funding for an average of 34,000 detention beds per day. President
Biden later called for a reduction to 25,000 beds but Congress rejected both the reduction and the GOP’s call for an increase. As border issues escalated President
Biden changed his stance and called for more beds although he had also sought additional changes in immigration law which are not included in the House bill. Currently
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has around 36,600 Americans in custody. The highest number of detention beds was reached under former President
Donald Trump with
ICE reaching 55,000 beds at one point in 2019. The House bill is set for its first committee action on Tuesday while the Senate has yet to release its version of the
homeland security spending bill. House republicans aim to use their power of the purse to challenge the
Biden administration’s more relaxed approach to border security and restore some of the tougher policies implemented by former President
Trump.
$4.1 Billion Allocation: House Republicans Propose Funding for 50,000 Detention Beds in New Homeland Security Spending Bill – Must Know! (PHOTO: Washington Times)
House Democrats Slam GOP Bill for 50,000 Detention Beds and Reduced Migrant Support Programs
Furthermore, house democrats criticize the GOP bill accusing Republicans of wanting to create chaos at the border for political gain. They argue that the bill eliminates funding for programs that help migrants settle in communities and reduces funding for catch-and-release programs. In conclusion the new House spending bill proposed by house republicans includes funding for 50,000 detention beds border wall construction and measures to address the border crisis. The bill reflects a desire to take a tougher approach to border security and immigration enforcement.