House GOP Relents, Funds Homeland Security

In a major victory for President Obama, the Republican-led House relented today and backed legislation to fund the Homeland Security Department through the end of the budget year, without restrictions on immigration. The measure passed 257-167 and now goes to Obama's desk for his signature. House Speaker John Boehner outlined the dwindling options for his deeply divided GOP caucus this morning after the Senate left the House with little choice. "I am as outraged and frustrated as you at the lawless and unconstitutional actions of this president," Boehner told his caucus, according to aides. "I believe this decision—considering where we are—is the right one for this team, and the right one for this country."

Politico, by way of a source, also has Boehner saying: "The good news is that the president’s executive action has been stopped, for now. This matter will continue to be litigated in the courts, where we have our best chance of winning this fight." Politico's take: "The speaker's decision shows that he is refusing to be hamstrung by a pocket of conservatives." How one of those conservatives responded: "This is the signal of capitulation," said Iowa Rep. Steve King. "The mood of this thing is such that to bring it back from the abyss is very difficult." Without action, short-term funding for the department would expire on Friday at midnight. DHS, which has major anti-terrorism responsibilities, is also responsible for border control. (More Department of Homeland Security stories.)