Border & Defense

The bill allocates $150 billion for border security and defense. It funds 701 miles of Trump’s border wall, adds 10,000 ICE agents, and taxes remittances by undocumented immigrants (at 7%) to fund deportations. Defense spending includes $50 billion for drones, $30 billion for nuclear arsenal modernization, and $20 billion for military bases near the border. Supporters argue it strengthens national security and fulfills Trump’s 2024 campaign promises. Critics, including immigration advocates, say the remittance tax will hurt families in Central America, and environmental groups warn the wall’s construction will damage ecosystems (e.g., Big Bend National Park). Some fiscal conservatives question the defense spending, citing the deficit increase.