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FEDERALcongressional record

Senate Floor Remarks on Department of Homeland Security Funding

Original title: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

May 11, 2026

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The Frame

What this does

The remarks highlight a legislative stalemate regarding the federal budget for border security and immigration enforcement, which directly impacts the operational funding for DHS personnel.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Department of Homeland Security personnel

The funding status of their agencies, specifically Border Patrol and ICE, is currently subject to legislative debate.

Democratic Party members in the Senate

They are identified as the group opposing the current proposed funding legislation for DHS.

What changed

Last recorded activity May 11, 2026.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

Senator John Thune addressed the Senate regarding a legislative impasse over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He stated that Democratic colleagues have refused to support funding for Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Key Facts

  • Senator Thune stated that the Senate has a goal to fund law enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security within the next two weeks.
  • Senator Thune alleged that Democratic colleagues have refused to agree to a funding package for border security and immigration enforcement.
  • The Senator claimed that Democratic leadership has expressed an intent to oppose legislation intended to fund DHS law enforcement.
  • The remarks characterize the current Democratic position as seeking a complete defunding of Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
  • The document notes that the current week is designated as 'Police Week' to honor law enforcement officers.

Why It Matters

The remarks highlight a legislative stalemate regarding the federal budget for border security and immigration enforcement, which directly impacts the operational funding for DHS personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of DHS funding according to these remarks?
Senator Thune claims there is a legislative impasse where Democratic colleagues are refusing to provide funding for Border Patrol and ICE.
What does the Senator mean by 'defunding' in this context?
The Senator clarifies that he is referring to a complete removal of funding for border and immigration enforcement agents, rather than a budget reduction.

News Coverage

Lean Left1
Center3
Right1
5 sources
R

Biden-Released Illegal Alien Accused of Sexually Assaulting Elderly Women at Nursing Home in Wisconsin

BreitbartMay 7, 2026

An individual released into the U.S. under the Biden administration is accused of sexually assaulting elderly residents at a Wisconsin nursing home. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a detainer on the suspect, who was employed at the facility in a sanctuary jurisdiction. Officials are urging local authorities to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

C

ICE officer in Maine shooting has history of violent behavior, family and records say

NBC Chicago – PoliticsJul 17, 2026

An ICE officer, identified by family members as 37-year-old David Brouillette, is under scrutiny following the fatal shooting of a Colombian national in Biddeford, Maine. Relatives have provided accounts and court records alleging a long history of mental health struggles and violent behavior, raising questions about the vetting processes used during recent federal hiring surges.

C

ICE arrests 10,000 in 5 days, a sharp late-June surge in Trump's deportation push

NBC Chicago – PoliticsJul 3, 2026

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 10,000 individuals over five days in late June, averaging 2,000 arrests per day. This represents a significant increase in daily arrest rates compared to previous months under the current administration.

C

ICE eyes selling mega-warehouses purchased for mass detention

NBC Miami PoliticsMay 30, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security is evaluating the potential sale of large warehouses and government-owned aircraft acquired earlier this year for mass immigration detention. These assets, purchased under former Secretary Kristi Noem to support a 100,000-person detention capacity, are being reviewed by current Secretary Markwayne Mullin as part of an agency-wide assessment.

LL

This week on The Hill: Immigration funding takes center stage as June 1 deadline looms

The HillMay 18, 2026

Lawmakers are working to finalize a funding package for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. The bill is being fast-tracked through a special process to avoid Senate delays before the upcoming recess.

Bias ratings based on AllSides / Media Bias/Fact Check

Lobbying Activity

ADOBE INC

$450,000

2026

COMPUTER INDUSTRYDEFENSEGOVERNMENT ISSUESCOPYRIGHT/PATENT/TRADEMARK

IT Modernization and Digital Service delivery issues; Digital Service Delivery IT Acquisition, and Content Authenticity and digital provenance issues; Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI); artificial intelligence; content provenance; privacy; technology in and competition issues; AI innovation and the economy; Content provenance and AI Labelling; IT modernization; Support for H.R. 9112 - CREATOR Act

1607 STRATEGIES, LLC

on behalf of Appian Corporation

2026

BUDGET/APPROPRIATIONSDEFENSE

Issues related to Department of Defense acquisition modernization. General issuesmregarding appropriations. Issues related to Department of Homeland Security acquisition modernization. Issues related to Department of Veterans Affairs acquisition modernization.

Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)

$70,000

2026

GOVERNMENT ISSUES

In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organizations for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of amending DHS appropriation riders to improve oversight and accountability on Department of Homeland security surveillance. In opposition to the SAVE America Act and requiring unnecessary barriers to voting. In support of increasing federal election security funding and identifying risks to election security and confidence posed by executive orders. In support of encouraging congressional members to uphold their legal duty to seat future lawfully elected members of Congress from the midterm elections. In support of reforms that strengthening the independence of the Judge Advocate General Corps through reforms of notification to Congress on before their termination. In support of reforms to protect independent legal advice within DoD and protect the non-political nature of the armed forces. In support of reforming the national emergencies framework to prevent executive abuses. Advocating in support of reforms that would prevent the executive branch from harming First Amendment rights of broadcasters.

Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)

$70,000

2026

GOVERNMENT ISSUES

In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organizations for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of amending DHS appropriation riders to improve oversight and accountability on Department of Homeland security surveillance. In opposition to the SAVE America Act and requiring unnecessary barriers to voting. In support of increasing federal election security funding and identifying risks to election security and confidence posed by executive orders. In support of encouraging congressional members to uphold their legal duty to seat future lawfully elected members of Congress from the midterm elections. In support of reforms that strengthening the independence of the Judge Advocate General Corps through reforms of notification to Congress on before their termination. In support of reforms to protect independent legal advice within DoD and protect the non-political nature of the armed forces. In support of reforming the national emergencies framework to prevent executive abuses. Advocating in support of reforms that would prevent the executive branch from harming First Amendment rights of broadcasters.

CLEARSPEED INC.

$330,000

HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP

on behalf of MONROE COUNTY, FL ON BEHALF OF KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP

on behalf of QWAKE TECHNOLOGIES INC.

D INITIATIVES LLC

on behalf of FAMA/FEMSA GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

A1.9 STRATEGIES LLC

on behalf of SAILDRONE INC.

KASOWITZ LLP (FKA KASOWITZ BENSON TORRES LLP)

on behalf of INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF GLOBAL ANTISEMITISM AND POLICY

Sponsors

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Legislative Impasse on DHS Funding

The document highlights a specific, stated refusal by one party to fund border enforcement agencies, marking a significant point of contention in the federal budget process.

Connected Entities

personJoe BidenFormer President referenced regarding border policy.Map →
personJohn ThuneUnited States Senator who delivered the remarks.Map →
organizationDepartment of Homeland SecurityFederal department currently subject to funding debates.Map →
organizationBorder PatrolDHS agency mentioned as a focus of funding disputes.Map →
personKevin WarshNominee for the Federal Reserve.Map →
organizationImmigration and Customs EnforcementDHS agency mentioned as a focus of funding disputes.Map →

Sources

Open source document

www.govinfo.gov

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance65
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy85
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment40
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz50
    Current news / social attention level

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