Congressman Eli Crane and Steve Bannon laid out an urgent plan on Monday’s WarRoom to tackle the border crisis and federal funding challenges. They called for splitting legislative efforts into two targeted bills to ensure speed, effectiveness, and immediate results. Both emphasized that delays and political missteps could cost the country dearly.
Watch this quick clip:
Rep. Eli Crane Reveals GOP Conference "Leaning Towards One Big" Reconciliation Bill @RepEliCrane pic.twitter.com/x70d8A0iaL
— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) January 27, 2025
Two Bills, Not One
Crane urged Congress to divide their approach. Instead of a massive, all-in-one reconciliation package, he proposed two smaller bills. "A clean, focused bill on border security and deportation funding can move faster,” Crane said.
The first bill should address immediate needs like border security and ICE funding. The second should focus on fiscal reforms and budget cuts. "Why waste time fighting over unrelated issues when border security is an emergency?” Crane asked.
Border Security Is Underfunded
Crane didn’t mince words about the situation on the border. ICE Director Tom Homan is struggling. "He’s operating in the red. Without proper funding, deportations will stall,” Crane explained.
Bannon echoed this urgency, warning of bureaucratic delays. "The deep state will drag its feet on every penny we need for the border,” he said.
The Clock Is Ticking
Time is running out. The government’s funding deadline is March 20. Crane stressed that Congress needs to pass a clean appropriations bill immediately. "We’re talking about securing our borders, protecting lives, and dealing with the fallout of illegal immigration,” he said.
Bannon emphasized that a long, drawn-out legislative fight would play into opponents’ hands. "We don’t have time for political theater. Get this done fast,” he said.
Media and Political Risks
Both Crane and Bannon warned about media manipulation. A massive bill covering multiple issues would become a media target. "They’ll plaster the news with heartbreaking stories to pressure Republicans to back down,” Crane said.
Bannon added that delaying action or bundling issues together risks losing the public’s focus. "We can’t let them turn this into a circus. Keep it simple, keep it effective,” he said.
Deficits and Fiscal Discipline
While border security is a top priority, fiscal discipline is still a concern. Bannon criticized Congress for allowing $2 trillion deficits to pile up. "Even the Freedom Caucus isn’t pushing back enough,” he said.
Crane called for smarter, more targeted spending. "We need to fix the funding problem without compromising border security,” he said.
Deep State Resistance
Crane and Bannon agreed that federal agencies are actively resisting efforts to secure the border. "They’re dragging their feet on everything, especially Trump’s anti-DEI agenda,” Crane said.
Bannon highlighted the need for strong, enforceable legislation to override these roadblocks. "This fight won’t end with just passing a bill. It’s a war against the bureaucracy,” he said.
Action Plan
Crane laid out the steps Congress must take:
- Pass a clean, immediate bill for border security funding.
- Follow with a separate bill for fiscal reforms.
- Counter media narratives with facts about illegal immigration’s human cost.
- Hold federal agencies accountable for delays.
- Keep the focus on results, not political theater.
The Stakes Are High
"This isn’t just politics. It’s about protecting American lives,” Crane said. Both he and Bannon stressed that failing to act quickly would have devastating consequences for border security and national sovereignty.
"This is the fight we need to win,” Bannon concluded. "No excuses. Get it done.”
For more context, watch this full Monday WarRoom segment featuring Rep. Eli Crane: