WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are preparing to vote Wednesday on legislation providing funding for immigration enforcement agencies following the White House’s decision to abandon a controversial settlement fund for political allies and remove proposed White House security funding from the measure.
The approximately $70 billion legislation would provide resources for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol. The bill faced weeks of delays as Republican senators worked through various hurdles to passage that arose from President Donald Trump and the White House. GOP leaders now say they’re prepared to advance the legislation in its streamlined form.
“Right now, the goal is to get the base bill across the finish line,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.
However, Republicans must secure sufficient votes to defeat numerous amendments that Democrats — and possibly some Republicans — plan to introduce. The GOP is utilizing budget reconciliation procedures that allow passage without Democratic support, though they must first navigate an extensive series of amendment votes that could create challenges for the bill.
The main concern during amendment voting, which could start Wednesday evening, involves anticipated Democratic proposals regarding Trump’s $1.776 billion settlement fund. The administration eliminated this fund Tuesday following strong Republican opposition. Despite acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informing Congress that “we are not moving forward with the fund, period,” Democrats want the prohibition codified in law.
“It is only a matter of time before Blanche and Trump go back on their word,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
Thune characterized Blanche’s statements as “extremely helpful” and believes most GOP senators were pleased with the decision. “We’ll find out,” he said.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has indicated he may propose an amendment preventing any attempt to revive the fund, which was included in a settlement resolving Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS regarding his leaked tax returns.
Thune said he’s collaborating with Tillis and other senators who have discussed amendments while working to secure enough votes for a simple majority in the 53-47 Senate.
“Keep in mind, we’ve got to keep them all together, make sure we’ve got 50 votes for it,” Thune said.
The bill also faced delays due to opposition to $1 billion in White House security funding, including resources for Trump’s new ballroom, that was added to the original legislation.
Both Democrats and some Republicans questioned spending taxpayer funds on the large-scale project during a period of economic difficulty for many Americans. Democrats had planned amendments to remove that language as well.
While various side issues temporarily stalled the legislation, Republicans have emphasized their primary focus remains passing the ICE and Border Patrol funding that Democrats have blocked for months in opposition to the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. Success requires Republican unity in both the Senate and House before reaching Trump’s desk.
