The House passed legislation Jan. 14 to fund the Department of Homeland Security through the end of fiscal 2015, averting the risk of a partial agency shutdown at the end of February.
The bill — passed by the House 236 to 191 — provides $39.7 billion in discretionary funding – a $400 million increase over 2014 levels. But the legislation also defunds aspects of President Obama's recent actions on immigration, including a program that allows immigrant children to remain in the country.
The bill now heads to the Senate before being signed or vetoed by President Obama.
Congress has already funded the rest of the government in December, but the DHS funding was cut short to provide an opportunity for further debate on immigration issues.
The bill provides for 21,370 border patrol agents – a record high for the agency – as well as 23,775 Customs and Border Protection officers. DHS will also receive additional funding to test a biometric mobile application for people leaving the country.
The Secret Service would receive $1.7 billion – an increase of $80.5 million to help boost training and preparation efforts ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
But some agencies saw cuts. The Transportation Security Administration will see its budget cut by $94.3 million, and airport screening personnel would be capped at 45,000 employees.
The bill also requires DHS to submit comprehensive spending packages to Congress as well as report on its acquisition efforts.
Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., chairman of the House appropriations committee, said in a statement the bill prioritizes front-line security and counter-terrorism and reduces overhead costs.
"Providing for this nation's defense is one of our chief duties as members of Congress, and I applaud the House for taking the responsible step to sufficiently fund important Department of Homeland Security programs," Rogers said. "By prioritizing front-line operations, supporting around-the-clock border surveillance and disaster preparedness, and boosting law enforcement efforts, this legislation will help maintain our readiness for any threats that may come our way."
