Washington Update - February 9
Congress and President Donald Trump have enacted 11 of 12 bipartisan annual appropriations bills, leaving only the Department of Homeland Security pending. Its current spending authority expires Friday as Democrats attempt to find common ground with President Trump on restrictions on immigration enforcement by ICE. The likelihood of compromise seems low, leaving Congress options of allowing DHS appropriations to lapse, be continued short- or long-term, or funding all of the Department’s other agencies, such as the Coast Guard, while adding little money for ICE. None of the options mean much practically for ICE, since last summer’s reconciliation bill lavishly funded the agency for many years.
State elections officials and members of Congress of both parties are alarmed by President Trump’s repeated calls on Republicans to “take over” and “nationalize” the mid-term elections. The U.S. Constitution assigns the administration of elections exclusively to the states, with Congress authorized to enact some rules.
The alarms are heightened by the President’s stated regret he did not order the National Guard to seize voting machines in his 2020 loss and warnings that the loss of the Republican House majority will yield yet another presidential impeachment. A few days ago, FBI agents seized ballots cast in 2020 in Fulton County, Georgia, perhaps creating a precedent for seizing ballots this November. Tensions rose more after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard canceled a last-minute appearance with state elections officials meeting in Washington.
While the President’s calls may come to nothing, Democrats worry the threats might demobilize less committed and newer voters.
Democrats are responding by preparing for legal battles. House Republicans are responding by voting this week on legislation requiring voters to present proof of citizenship to register. If the bill passes, it will likely die in the Senate.
