Foster Statement on Funding Package Vote, DHS Reforms
Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on his vote in favor of the funding package that reopens the government, locks in Democratic wins in the budget, and provides a two-week window to negotiate meaningful changes to ICE:
“Today’s vote is a win for Democrats and for the people we represent. This bill rejects the Trump Administration’s proposed $163 billion in cuts to public services, protects hard-won Democratic priorities, and funds an additional seven of my FY 2026 Community Project Funding selections—delivering $8.8 million for my district.
“Importantly, this agreement limits Homeland Security funding to a two-week continuing resolution, giving Democrats critical time and leverage to demand serious reforms and accountability at DHS. Right now, the vast majority of ICE’s funding comes from the One Big ‘Beautiful’ Bill, so prolonging a shutdown would not meaningfully reduce their budget or impact their operations. Passing this bill allows Congress to focus on enacting meaningful reforms to ICE without jeopardizing federal workers' livelihoods or essential government programs."
Democratic wins in the package include:
- Public health & research: increased NIH funding and stronger support for mental health and opioid response.
- Education & families: increased funding for child care and Head Start.
- Housing & homelessness: strengthened rental assistance and homelessness prevention programs.
- Infrastructure & security: investments in FAA modernization and air traffic controller staffing.
- Reasserts Congress’ power of the purse: reins in the Trump Administration and reasserts Congress’ power over government spending through increased requirements on the use of funds.
More details on these legislative highlights can be found here.
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