The U.S. House and Senate will likely use a two-track approach to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security upon returning to Washington after Congress' recess, Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., told Newsmax on Thursday.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Perry said Republicans are working toward a strategy that separates broader government funding from key border enforcement priorities — ensuring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ultimately receive full funding through a reconciliation package requiring only GOP support.
Perry warned that the current Senate-backed funding proposal, which excludes dedicated funding for ICE and CBP, reflects Democrat priorities that he argued undermine law enforcement and border security.
"Caving to Democrats and not paying CBP and ICE is agreeing to defund law enforcement and leaving our borders wide open again," Perry said, noting that many House Republicans share his opposition to the plan.
Under the approach being discussed, Congress would pass a short-term funding measure to keep the government running, while Republicans simultaneously pursue a reconciliation bill to secure long-term funding for border enforcement agencies.
Because reconciliation requires only a simple majority in the Senate, Republicans could bypass Democrat opposition.
Perry expressed confidence that the strategy is not only viable but necessary.
"This is doable. And I believe that it will happen. It must happen," he said.
The Pennsylvania lawmaker also accused Democrats of intentionally blocking resources for immigration enforcement, arguing their broader goal was to halt deportations and allow illegal aliens to remain in the country.
"They simply won't fund to keep our country safe," Perry said, adding that Republicans will need to act independently to ensure border agents and ICE officers have the resources they need.
Perry pointed to comments from President Donald Trump, who has pushed for swift action to restore funding for border enforcement.
Trump has called on Congress to deliver a bill quickly, vowing that Democrats "won't be able to stop" efforts to support immigration officers and protect American communities.
According to Perry, the administration is already using executive authority to maintain pay for law enforcement personnel in the interim, though he warned that doing so draws on funds originally intended for deportation operations.
Looking ahead, Perry framed the funding battle as a defining political issue heading into upcoming elections, arguing voters will face a clear contrast between Republican and Democrat priorities.
"People are going to have to make a choice," Perry said. "It's a choice between crazy and normal."
He added that Republicans will emphasize public safety and support for law enforcement while accusing Democrats of siding with policies that weaken border enforcement and put Americans at risk.
Despite ongoing disagreements, Perry predicted Republicans will ultimately secure the funding needed, even if it requires going it alone.
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Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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