On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives (House) narrowly passed the GOP’s budget reconciliation package, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, by a vote of 215 to 214. Now that the House has passed the bill, attention turns to the U.S. Senate, where the path forward is far from certain.
What Comes Next
Despite a Republican majority of 53 to 47, the bill is expected to face revisions in the Senate. The Senate’s version of the FY 2025 budget resolution contains different reconciliation instructions, including a higher $5 trillion debt limit (compared to $4 trillion in the House version) and broader tax changes. These differences must be resolved before final passage.
Public Safety Impact
The House passed version of the reconciliation bill includes nearly $22 billion in federal funding for public safety related programs. Significantly, the vast majority of funds are directed primarily at support for federal law enforcement agencies (primarily Customs and Border Protection and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement). The bill includes funding to hire thousands of new CBP and ICE personnel, expand 287(g) partnerships that allow local agencies to assist with immigration enforcement, and make critical upgrades to federal training facilities.
Specific funding proposals include:
$2.6 billion for the Homeland Security Grant Program, including:
$4.1 billion to hire additional CBP personnel
$2.1 billion in hiring and retention bonuses for CBP
$8 billion over five years to hire 10,000 new ICE personnel
$650 million to expand 287(g) partnerships
$950 million to reimburse jails for housing noncitizens facing removal
$1.5 billion to upgrade ICE enforcement and removal infrastructure
$750 million for training and infrastructure improvements at FLETC
$1.2 billion for Secret Service personnel and technology enhancements
Looking Ahead
The Senate Budget Committee is expected to take up the reconciliation bill next week when Senators return from recess. This will be the first step in the Senate’s official review of the bill.
After the committee completes its review, the bill will move to the Senate floor for debate. Senators will have the opportunity to offer amendments, and many are expected. If the Senate passes a version of the bill that differs from the House version, both chambers will need to resolve those differences before a final package can be sent to the President.
The next few weeks will determine what stays in the bill, what gets cut, and what gets added as the reconciliation process unfolds. IACP will continue to monitor the reconciliation process and keep members updated on developments impacting the policing profession.
Nomination Update
On May 22, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Terrance Cole’s nomination to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration by a 12–10 vote. His nomination is now heading to the Senate for a full Senate vote. The timing of the vote has yet to be scheduled.
The IACP will continue to monitor Cole’s nomination and provide an update to IACP members when he is voted on in the Senate.
Grant Opportunities
The COPS Office has officially opened its FY 2025 grant programs. Applications are now being accepted for several key initiatives, including the COPS Hiring Program and the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act program.
Deadlines vary by program, with most applications in the end of June with a minority closing in July. Agencies are encouraged to begin their applications early. For a full list of opportunities and deadlines, visit the COPS Office Grants Page.
IACP remains committed to ensuring the voice of the policing profession is heard at the highest levels of government. IACP’s advocacy is grounded in the needs of those serving on the front lines.
We will continue to keep you informed as advocacy efforts progress and new opportunities arise. If you have any questions about IACP’s advocacy efforts or would like to connect further, please contact IACP’s Legislative Affairs team at legaffairs@theiacp.org.
