Why Indiana’s Mike Braun broke with most Senate Republicans on federal budget, wall funding

Republican Mike Braun of Indiana was one of only 16 senators to vote against a federal budget proposal that would fund a small portion of President Donald Trump's border security initiative and keep the government open — breaking with the majority of his own party.

He also praised Trump's stated intention to declare a national emergency to get more funding for the border wall, a departure from others in his party who have avoided directly addressing the issue. Some Republicans have criticized his use of a national emergency for this purpose.

Trump declared the emergency Friday morning after saying he planned to sign the spending legislation.

“Government shutdowns need to stop, but I cannot support our dysfunctional system of out-of-control government spending through a broken process: It would never work in the private sector and it certainly doesn’t work in Washington," Braun said in a statement. "This legislation did not sufficiently address the humanitarian and security crisis on our southern border and left President Trump with no other option than to declare a national emergency, which I support.”

Want more political news? Sign up for our free weekly Hoosier Politics newsletter

Donald Trump declares national emergency:The move frees up billions of dollars for border wall

Indiana's other senator, Republican Todd Young, voted for the spending proposal, which includes $1.375 billion for 55 new miles of physical barriers. Trump requested $5.7 billion originally. In the Senate, 11 Republicans voted against the measure.

“Hoosiers have made it clear that they want border security," Young said in a statement. "While I’m glad an agreement was reached to fund the government, I am disappointed that Democrats refused to fully commit to securing our border."

He didn't comment on Trump's intention to declare a national emergency, however he did say it's "the responsibility of Congress to fund border security and fix our broken immigration system."

In the House, the budget proposal was approved by a 300-128 vote.

Be smart about where you live. Get an IndyStar subscription today.

U.S. House members from Indiana were almost evenly split on the bill. Republicans Larry Bucshon, Jim Banks, Jim Baird and Trey Hollingsworth voted against the bill. But Republicans Susan Brooks, Greg Pence — Vice President Mike Pence's brother — and Jackie Walorski joined Democrats Pete Visclosky and Andre Carson in voting for the measure.

Greg Pence called the bill a "small step in the right direction." 

"I support President Trump’s commitment to border security and dedication to building the wall," Pence said. "While this funding bill is far from perfect, it fully funds the government and includes new money for the wall as well as additional technology to combat human trafficking and drug smuggling. I trust President Trump when he says he is committed to building the wall and I fully support him."

Call IndyStar Statehouse reporter Kaitlin Lange at 317-432-9270. Follow her on Twitter: @kaitlin_lange.