Shaheen Offers Several Amendments to Republican Budget Reconciliation Bill to Lower Household Costs, Require Transparency on ICE Facilities, Replenish International Food Assistance

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH),
a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee
, is introducing several amendments to Republicans’ partisan reconciliation bill.
“Families in New Hampshire and across the country have been clear that there is a cost-of-living crisis that needs immediate attention—and yet, Republicans are dead-set on jamming through a partisan bill that fails to respond to those concerns,”
said Senator Shaheen.
“And, at a time when the American people have been clear that more must be done to rein in ICE and Border Patrol’s chaos, this bill does nothing to instate sorely needed reforms. I’m offering multiple amendments to directly address my constituents’ concerns, including by requiring DHS obtain local consent before constructing new ICE facilities in communities across this country.”
Below is an overview of the amendments Senator Shaheen will offer for consideration tonight:
To address soaring health insurance premiums,
Shaheen—the original author and longtime champion of the
Affordable Care Act
enhanced premium tax credits—is leading an amendment to restore the credits that expired at the end of last year. Since the tax credits have expired, more than one million Americans have lost ACA coverage and health insurance premiums have gone up by an average of 26 percent. .
To reverse Trump Administration cuts that have worsened global food security,
Shaheen is offering an amendment to prevent cuts to international food and nutrition assistance programs and ensure that all viable commodities from U.S. producers and farmers are made available to beneficiaries. United States support for the World Food Program, which includes commodities from American farmers, fell by half in 2025 even as the number of people facing an acute food crisis is projected to jump to 363 million people globally.
To ensure small businesses and consumers are repaid from unlawful tariff taxes,
Shaheen is offering an amendment in line with her legislation—the
Speedy Tariff Refund Act
—that would require the Administration to pay refunds automatically within 30 days and without requiring businesses to file additional paperwork. On Monday, the Administration rolled out a flawed partial refund system that disadvantages small businesses.
To increase transparency about plans for new ICE facilities in states across the country,
Shaheen is offering an amendment in line with her legislation—the
Respect for Local Communities Act
—that would require DHS to solicit public comments and receive written approval from state and local officials before establishing new ICE detention or processing facilities.
To lower energy costs that have skyrocketed in the last year, especially since President Trump started the war in Iran,
Shaheen is offering an amendment to reinstate tax credits for energy efficiency and clean energy investments that help families and business save on their energy bills. Energy costs rose 10.9% in March alone, the largest increase in more than 20 years, and these credits helped families save $450 per year on energy bills in 2024.
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