Senate Republicans are advancing a narrow reconciliation bill to fund immigration enforcement and reopen the Department of Homeland Security after a 68-day shutdown. According to Rep. Randy Fine, a Florida Republican, the House is expected to approve the measure within weeks.
“Currently, they will get this to us in the next week or two, and then we will take it up and pass it in the House,” Fine stated on Wednesday. He noted that the Senate’s previous proposal was insufficient, describing it as “an open-borders bill.”
Fine explained that the new reconciliation bill would provide necessary funding for the rest of the Department of Homeland Security. “When we put those two together, we’ll have a fully funded department,” he added. The reconciliation process would bypass the typical Senate 60-vote threshold by requiring only 51 votes. Fine attributed the shutdown to Democrats using their minority veto power effectively.
Fine also criticized Virginia’s recent constitutional amendment that permits the state’s Democratic-controlled General Assembly to redraw congressional maps, calling it “the most egregious gerrymander in America today.” He accused Democrats of justifying such practices by claiming “the ends justify the means.” When asked about former Vice President Kamala Harris’ comments regarding the Virginia vote, Fine responded: “I think it’s going to be close. I mean, I think Kamala Harris talking about rigging elections is quite rich. Here’s someone who thought they should be president without getting a single vote to be a nominee of a major party.”
Fine emphasized that Republicans would continue competing in upcoming elections despite the changes: “This will pick them up seats. But look, we’re going to continue to fight it out at the ballot box.” He also noted that Republicans now hold less than 10% of members in Congress and stated, “Republicans will still win this election.”
