House Republicans are preparing a massive legislative package that prioritizes stricter immigration control, expanded deportation efforts, and increased military presence at the U.S.-Mexico border. The legislative push signals a major shift in GOP domestic policy and budget priorities heading into mid-2025.
Legislative Push After Recess
GOP Plans Megabill to Address Border Security and Deportation
House Republicans are set to present key components of a large-scale policy bill focusing on immigration and border control when Congress reconvenes at the end of April 2025. The bill includes proposals to increase border security funding and deportation resources. It is also designed to strengthen the Trump administration’s authority to implement mass deportations and deploy additional military personnel to the southern U.S. border.
Committee Timelines and Spending Plans
Multiple Committees to Host Markups in Late April
Three major committees—the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Armed Services—are planning to hold markups during the week of April 28. The Judiciary Committee will convene on April 30, discussing $110 billion in immigration enforcement. Homeland Security is targeting April 29 to examine a $90 billion plan to increase deportation operations. Simultaneously, the Armed Services Committee will address its spending plan, currently pegged at $100 billion, in contrast to the Senate’s $150 billion proposal.
Expanding Military at the Border
Pentagon Budget May Fund Border Deployments and Defense Projects
The GOP’s proposal includes funding for the Trump administration’s expanded military operations at the U.S.-Mexico border. This section of the bill could also cover broader defense expenditures, such as Navy shipbuilding and modernization of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. While Republican defense advocates have been pushing for a $125 billion figure, current discussions still fall short of their long-term goal of a $1 trillion defense budget.
Policy Additions: Fees and Social Service Cuts
GOP to Introduce Immigration Fees and Cuts to Migrant Aid
In addition to enforcement and military provisions, Republican lawmakers are working on proposals to raise immigration-related fees and significantly cut access to social services for migrants. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to discourage illegal entry and limit benefits for new arrivals, aligning with Trump-era policies.
Broader GOP Legislative Strategy
More Committee Debates Slated for Early May
Other House panels are also joining the legislative momentum. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Financial Services Committee are expected to meet on April 29 and April 30, respectively. The Energy and Commerce Committee and the Agriculture Committee will hold markups the following week, starting May 5. These meetings will likely address internal GOP disagreements, especially over proposed cuts to Medicaid and food assistance.
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