Eric Burlison: With border security funding secured, Republicans can concentrate on affordability

(From Seventh District Congressman Eric Burlison)

On Wednesday, the House followed suit with the Senate in passing the Secure America Act, providing long-term funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and other homeland-security operations through the end of Fiscal Year 2029. 

The legislation follows months of delays and failed negotiations in the Senate over funding for border security and immigration enforcement.

These functions should have been funded through the regular appropriations process rather than requiring a separate reconciliation package. Instead, Democrats repeatedly blocked efforts, forcing Republicans to use reconciliation to advance the measure. 

With border security funding now in place through 2029, Congress must shift its focus to other priorities, including affordability, spending cuts, and economic growth.