Context:

A significant conflict has erupted between Republican Senator Rand Paul and Stephen Miller, a key adviser to Donald Trump, over the proposed $150 billion border security funding, which Paul opposes due to its hefty price tag. The disagreement has become public, with Paul criticizing Miller's remarks and suggesting his exclusion from a White House event was due to Miller's influence, though Trump later re-invited him. While Paul stands largely alone in his push to reduce the funding, other GOP senators have expressed concerns and sought more details about the allocation of the funds. The contention has caused frustration among some Republicans, with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin criticizing Paul's approach as impractical. Despite these tensions, Miller attempted to address senators' queries about the expenditure, though some, like Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson, remained unconvinced by the explanations provided.

Dive Deeper:

• Rand Paul and Stephen Miller are embroiled in a public feud over the Trump administration's request for $150 billion in border security funding, with Paul opposing the amount as excessive.

• Paul openly criticized Miller's comments about suspending habeas corpus and accused him of being the reason for his initial exclusion from a White House picnic, though Trump later personally invited Paul and his family.

• Other Republican senators, while questioning the funding specifics, have not aligned with Paul's drastic reduction proposal, indicating his relative isolation within the party on this issue.

• Senator Markwayne Mullin expressed dissatisfaction with Paul's budgeting approach, arguing that simply halving the funding is not a practical solution.

• During a meeting with Senate Republicans, Stephen Miller provided explanations for the funding needs, but some senators, such as Ron Johnson, found the financial justifications lacking, highlighting a lack of clarity on the math behind the proposal.

• The controversy over the border funding has led to frustration among some GOP senators, who desire more detailed information on how the funds would be allocated.

• Senator Rick Scott noted that the pushback from Republicans is not about supporting the president but about ensuring transparency and understanding of the expenditure plan.