WASHINGTON (AP) — A standoff between the White House and Senate Republicans continues as lawmakers return to Washington after a 10-day recess without passing legislation to fund immigration enforcement agencies. Senate Republicans indicate they lack the votes to pass the Homeland Security spending bill until the White House collaborates on parameters for a new $1.776 billion settlement fund intended to compensate allies of former President Donald Trump. A judge has temporarily halted any payouts from this fund.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that the Trump administration needs to propose solutions, noting that the settlement fund complicates negotiations. The fund could potentially provide compensation to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, which Thune described as making negotiations more difficult.
The ongoing dispute over the settlement fund may impact Republican efforts to maintain their majority in upcoming elections. Trump has expressed a lack of concern regarding the midterms, which adds to the tension among Senate Republicans, some of whom feel ignored by the former president.
Democrats plan to propose amendments to the immigration bill aimed at reducing or eliminating the settlement fund. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized that Democrats will push for a vote on the fund regardless of Republican actions.
In a closed-door meeting, Republican senators discussed potential limitations on the fund, including who could receive payouts and the structure of the commission overseeing settlement decisions. However, they prefer that the White House initiate changes.
Senator Todd Young remarked that there have been no signs of an acceptable plan from the White House, while Senator Bill Hagerty mentioned ongoing discussions to find a workable solution. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that many questions would be addressed soon but did not provide specifics.
Senator Ted Cruz described a recent meeting with Blanche as contentious, with many senators expressing frustration. Cruz noted that there were concerns about the fund's implications for January 6 defendants, although Blanche did not publicly clarify who could apply for payouts. Cruz predicted that the administration would need to modify the fund to avoid significant dissent among Senate Republicans.
