U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, on Sunday defended a sweeping legislative package that includes $80 billion for border security, $150 billion in defense spending, and permanent tax cuts, framing it as a critical step for national security and economic stability.
Appearing on CBS’s Face the Nation, McCaul said the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” would dramatically reduce illegal immigration, support America’s military amid rising global threats, and prevent what he called “the largest tax increase in American history.”
“This bill secures the border, strengthens the military, and protects taxpayers,” said McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “That’s a win-win-win for the American people.”
The legislation, which has drawn mixed reactions from Republicans, proposes $80 billion for immigration enforcement, including $12 billion in reimbursements for southern border states like Texas that have shouldered the costs of federal inaction. McCaul cited internal data showing a sharp drop in apprehensions along the Texas-Mexico border, which he attributed to enhanced enforcement and an end to “catch and release” policies.
“We’ve driven those numbers down to almost zero in many regions,” he said. “That shows deterrence works.”
McCaul also defended the bill’s $150 billion allocation to the Department of Defense, citing escalating global tensions in the Middle East, Europe and the Indo-Pacific. He argued that increased military readiness is vital in a “more dangerous world.”
Not all Republicans are on board. Some, including Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, have raised concerns over potential impacts to Medicaid and the federal deficit. The bill includes cost-cutting measures that McCaul said are focused on eliminating “waste, fraud and abuse” in social programs, not slashing essential services.
“This is about accountability, not austerity,” McCaul said, dismissing deficit concerns and arguing that making the Trump-era tax cuts permanent would stimulate growth and ultimately boost revenue.
He also warned that rejecting the bill could carry political consequences for Republicans facing re-election in 2026.
“This is a defining moment,” McCaul said. “If we fail to pass this, we risk our credibility on border security, national defense, and fiscal responsibility.”
The bill remains a focal point of negotiations in the House, with leadership aiming to build consensus before the August recess.