Rep. Moulton Calls ICE Defunding ‘Shutdown-Worthy’ Initiative
Representative Seth Moulton has introduced a significant legislative measure aimed at defunding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His initiative seeks to redirect billions of dollars from ICE’s budget to fund healthcare tax credits that recently expired.
Defunding ICE: A Legislative Initiative
Moulton, a Democrat from Massachusetts, proposed this bill on a Wednesday amid growing tensions in Washington. The urgency is amplified by the looming deadline; Congress must finalize a spending plan by January 30 to prevent another government shutdown.
Detailing his motivations, Moulton highlights that millions of Americans are facing increased medical costs due to the expiration of subsidies associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “We absolutely want to extend the ACA premiums tax credits,” Moulton stated. “But we’re funding it by taking money from ICE’s budget.”
Funding Context: The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
This legislative push targets the massive budget increase ICE received under the Trump administration. The budget saw a significant boost—totaling $75 billion until 2029—nearly tripling the agency’s prior funding.
- Previous ICE Budget: Approximately $10 billion.
- Current Proposed Adjustment: Restore ICE budget with $10 billion while reallocating excess for healthcare.
Violence Triggers Legislative Action
The drive to defund ICE is also fueled by recent incidents of violence, such as the shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Moulton has unequivocally condemned the shooting, calling it “an outright murder” and emphasizing the moral implications of funding an agency responsible for such actions.
“We should not be funding the continuation of ICE terrorizing American cities,” Moulton declared, explaining that even some Republicans privately express concern about ICE’s actions but feel intimidated to voice their opposition.
Political Climate Ahead of Shutdown Deadline
As January 30 approaches, the stakes are high for Congress. Democrats previously resisted funding proposals that neglected to protect healthcare subsidies, leading to a record 43-day government shutdown. Moulton believes that the issue of ICE funding is significant enough to warrant another shutdown, suggesting upcoming negotiations could be contentious.
Wider Political Implications
Moulton’s stance aligns him with other Democrats, including Representatives André Carson, Darren Soto, and Sylvia Garcia, all of whom are supporting his bill. This coalition reflects a growing movement within Congress that prioritizes healthcare needs over aggressive immigration enforcement.
Parallel to this, Moulton is challenging Senator Ed Markey for a Senate seat while both pursue legislation aimed at holding law enforcement accountable. His proposed NOEM Act would empower individuals to sue federal immigration officers for misconduct, a legal avenue currently limited to local police cases.
As the deadline looms, Moulton is asserting that Congress must decide between funding an aggressive border agency or aiding Americans in affording healthcare. This pivotal moment in U.S. legislation not only addresses immediate financial concerns but also redefines the moral responsibilities of government in handling healthcare and immigration-related issues.
