Horsford Votes Against Senate Funding Bill Over Continuous Lack of ICE Oversight, Transparency, and Accountability
February 3, 2026
WASHINGTON D.C.- Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) voted today against the Senate-negotiated government funding package, citing its failure to include basic guardrails to ensure humane, accountable immigration enforcement and protect Southern Nevada communities.
Rep. Horsford noted that he previously voted in favor of bipartisan funding for the Departments of Defense; Financial Services and General Government; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, underscoring his continued support for responsible, bipartisan government funding that meets community needs.
“I take every vote on government funding seriously because the decisions we make directly affect families and communities across Southern Nevada,” explained Rep. Horsford. “Over the past several weeks, I have met with students, educators, workers, faith leaders, business owners, and immigrant advocates across NV-04, who have shared deep concern about the fear and uncertainty caused by increased immigration enforcement activities throughout the Valley.”
“Kids are afraid to go to school. Workers are afraid to show up to their jobs. Seniors are afraid to seek care.” Rep. Horsford continued. “This fear is harming our community – and this bill does nothing to address it. I cannot support continued funding to the Department of Homeland Security without meaningful guardrails in place.”
While Rep. Horsford supports other funding priorities included in the package – including investments in local transportation projects – he said he could not support continued funding for the Department of Homeland Security without meaningful oversight, transparency, and accountability measures. Rather than adding tens of billions of dollars to immigration enforcement without clear standards, Rep. Horsford believes Congress should prioritize restoring Medicaid cuts and extending healthcare premium tax credits that help working families remain healthy and financially stable.
“Southern Nevada families deserve policies that strengthen safety, support economic stability, and use taxpayer dollars responsibly,” Rep. Horsford concluded. “This bill fails on all three, and that’s why I voted no.”
Based on direct conversations with students, educators, workers, and immigrant advocates, Rep. Horsford is calling for commonsense protections to be included in any funding package, including:
- Protected community spaces: Clear, enforceable limits on immigration enforcement at schools, daycares, hospitals, places of worship, shelters, and social service providers.
- Limits on data misuse: Strong safeguards against ICE’s use of DMV, health, education, and voter data, along with transparency around surveillance and AI tools.
- Real oversight and accountability: Independent oversight of detention facilities, transparency around arrests and transfers, and reforms to programs that entangle local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement.
- Due process and child protections: Guaranteed access to counsel, fair bail and bond practices, and policies that treat children as children and keep families together.
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Issues:ImmigrationPublic Safety