The Senate approved a $70 billion immigration enforcement bill early Friday morning, following a series of amendment votes. The bill passed without a ban on a $1.8 billion fund that had faced bipartisan criticism regarding potential payouts to January 6 defendants. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche had previously indicated that the fund would not be revived, which helped maintain Republican support for the bill.
Despite efforts from some Republicans to codify the ban on the fund into law, these amendments did not pass. The immigration enforcement bill will now move to the House for consideration next week, where Republicans plan to bring it to the floor.
Senator Lisa Murkowski was the only Republican to vote against the bill. The vote is seen as a step towards addressing immigration issues, which have been politically contentious, especially following recent violent incidents. Democrats have indicated they will not support funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement without reforms to officer conduct, leading Republicans to pursue the bill through a reconciliation process.
Initially, President Trump had requested additional security funding for his East Wing ballroom to be attached to the bill, but this request was ultimately dropped due to concerns from Republicans about its association with what Democrats labeled an unnecessary expense. An amendment aimed at blocking the 'anti-weaponization' fund was proposed but failed without Democratic support. Additionally, several amendments proposed by Democrats also did not pass, although some vulnerable Republicans sided with Democrats on specific issues.
Senator Susan Collins cast her 10,000th vote during this session, marking a significant milestone in her Senate career since she has not missed a vote since her election in 1997.
