Dem Rep. Quigley Criticizes GOP's Use of Reconciliation

Congressman says Republican funding of ICE and CBP is 'a real blow to the democratic process'

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:18am

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An abstract, fragmented painting in shades of blue depicting overlapping, geometric shapes and forms representing the complex systems of government bureaucracy and immigration enforcement.The partisan battle over immigration funding highlights the divisive politics surrounding border security and the democratic process.Chicago Today

In an interview on MS NOW's 'Ana Cabrera Reports', Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) criticized the Republican party's use of the reconciliation process to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for multiple years. Quigley argued this move undermines the democratic process and is an attempt by the GOP to push through their agenda before potentially losing control of the House of Representatives.

Why it matters

The use of reconciliation, a legislative process that allows bills to pass the Senate with a simple majority, has become a point of contention between the two parties. Democrats argue it subverts the normal legislative process and allows the party in power to enact their agenda without bipartisan support.

The details

Quigley stated that the Republican plan to fund ICE and CBP for three years using reconciliation is 'a real blow to rule-making and the democratic process.' He believes the GOP is trying to 'get while the getting's good' by locking in funding for these agencies before potentially losing control of the House. Quigley said he will vote against this second track of the reconciliation bill, and that under a future Republican president, Democrats will have to work to pull back the ICE funding until changes are made.

  • The interview with Rep. Quigley took place on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Rep. Mike Quigley

A Democratic Congressman representing Illinois's 5th congressional district.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for enforcing federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

A federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws.

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What they’re saying

“They want to fund this war. They want to do election issues there to make it harder for people to vote. So, this is their way to solve a problem. But it's a real blow to rule-making and the democratic process.”

— Rep. Mike Quigley, U.S. Congressman

“It's going to be two tracks. So, that I will vote for. The second track that funds ICE and border for three years, of course, I'm going to vote against that. And understand why they want to do it for three years. They know they're going to lose the House, at least, so they want to get while the getting's good, never mind the democratic process. And then we're going to have to push back under a Republican president to pull back that funding for ICE until changes are made.”

— Rep. Mike Quigley, U.S. Congressman

The takeaway

This dispute over the use of reconciliation highlights the ongoing partisan tensions in Congress, with Democrats accusing Republicans of undermining democratic norms to push through their agenda. The outcome of this legislative battle could have significant implications for the future of immigration enforcement and border security policy in the United States.