Last call: House approves a few last DHS amendments

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) proposed an amendment that would prevent spending by DHS to follow Obama administration policies that prioritize enforcement of immigration laws. King said those policies, announced last year, violate the Constitution as they selectively enforce U.S. law.

{mosads}But Democrats said the administration is allowed to prioritize enforcement of immigration laws, and called on members to reject King’s language. The House will vote Thursday on King’s amendment.

Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) proposed a separate amendment that would prevent TSA from spending money to run operations outside airports. Democrats and Republicans said they opposed this idea, which is similar to one the House rejected earlier in the day — this will also get a vote on Thursday.

Another vote will take place on language from Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), to reallocate $10 million in funds to boost wildfire suppression efforts. After these votes and possibly others, the House is expected to pass the DHS bill.

Otherwise, the House accepted five amendments by voice vote late Wednesday and early Thursday. They are from:

— Bill Flores (R-Texas), prohibiting spending to enforce a rule requiring new fuels to be at least as fuel efficient as current fuels.

— Pat Meehan (R-Pa.), prohibiting spending on Customs operations in Abu Dhabi International Airport, which has no direct flights to the United States.

— Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), preventing spending to buy vehicles that fail to meet the Obama administration’s fuel efficiency standard.

— Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), prohibiting spending that profiles people based on race, ethnicity or religion.

— Lou Barletta (R-Pa.), prohibiting spending for official receptions until a biometric entry system is implemented.