WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans pushed forward with an overnight session Wednesday as they attempt to secure funding for two key immigration enforcement agencies and end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown that has stretched beyond two months.
The marathon session marks the beginning of a complex legislative maneuver as GOP lawmakers try to circumvent Democratic opposition to funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol operations. The standoff began when Democrats insisted on policy reforms following deadly shootings of two demonstrators by federal officers.
GOP leadership has turned to budget reconciliation — the same procedural tool they employed to advance former President Donald Trump’s tax and spending reduction package without any Democratic support. While the Senate has already approved reopening other DHS divisions on a bipartisan basis, House Republican leaders refuse to consider that legislation until the Senate makes headway on ICE and Border Patrol funding.
The reconciliation approach allows Republicans to advance legislation with just a simple majority vote, avoiding filibuster rules that would otherwise require 60 votes when the GOP controls only 53 Senate seats. However, this path involves extensive review by the Senate parliamentarian and potentially endless amendment votes that could continue throughout the night.
Democratic lawmakers plan to introduce amendments targeting healthcare expenses and other living costs, creating a sharp contrast with the Republican emphasis on Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda.
“Republicans are ‘bending the knee to Donald Trump,’” declared Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer before the voting commenced.
Senate leaders anticipate passing the budget framework following the extended vote series, likely early Thursday morning, before sending it to the House. After House approval and Senate Parliamentarian clearance, both chambers can proceed with final passage.
The $70 billion measure would provide three years of funding for ICE and Border Patrol, covering the remainder of Trump’s presidential term. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota and fellow GOP leaders express hope to maintain narrow focus on these two agencies and deliver the legislation to Trump by month’s end, alongside the remaining DHS funding already approved by the Senate.
However, complications may arise as many party members view this budget bill as their final opportunity this year to advance key priorities. Republicans in both chambers have advocated for additional provisions, including agricultural funding and Trump’s citizenship verification voting legislation known as the SAVE America Act.
Louisiana Senator John Kennedy temporarily disrupted the vote proceedings late Wednesday, expressing frustration over the bill’s exclusion of SAVE America Act components and other priorities.
“This is the last train leaving the station,” Kennedy stated, warning they would lack opportunities to pass additional legislation before November’s midterm elections. Despite his concerns, Kennedy eventually withdrew his objections and permitted voting to continue.
