After months of struggling to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Senate Republicans passed a narrow immigration enforcement bill, the Secure America Act (S.2), on June 5, 2026.
- The partisan bill allocates $69.5 billion to the DHS and DOJ.
- If enacted into law, the bill would ensure that the Trump administration has sufficient funds for immigration enforcement for the remainder of President Donald Trump’s second term.
- Although most bills require 60 votes to pass the Senate, Republican Senators used a procedural maneuver, budget reconciliation, to pass the bill without Democratic support.
- The Secure America Act (S.2) passed with a final vote of 52-47.
On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the Secure America Act was passed by the House of Representatives.
Background:
- Earlier this year, Republican attempts to pass an annual DHS funding bill hit a roadblock when Senate Democrats demanded that immigration enforcement reforms be included in exchange for their votes. The Trump administration and Senate Republicans refused Democratic calls for reform.
- DHS was shut down for 76 days, the longest agency shutdown in U.S. government history.
- Because of Democratic objections to funding immigration enforcement without reform, Republican lawmakers have used the budget reconciliation process.
What’s next: The funding bill will now go to President Trump’s desk for his approval. Once approved, it will fund immigration enforcement for the next three years. Following the successful passage of this bill through reconciliation, Republican lawmakers will attempt a third reconciliation bill of this 119th Congress and are already meeting to discuss what should be included.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.