The Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement bill proposed by former President Donald Trump early Friday, with a vote of 52-47. The bill now moves to the House for consideration. It allocates funding to the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agencies until the end of Trump's second term, preventing future shutdowns.
The vote followed an overnight session marked by a Republican revolt concerning a $1.8 billion fund aimed at supporting political allies who claim unjust prosecution under the Biden administration. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the only Republican to vote against the bill.
Concerns were raised by some Republicans and Democrats that the fund could benefit individuals involved in the January 6 riots during Trump's presidency. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the fund, calling it a "slush fund" for Trump. Efforts to amend the bill to eliminate the fund were unsuccessful.
The voting session extended for 18 hours, during which Republican leaders faced Democratic amendments that challenged various actions taken by Trump. Senator Bill Cassidy proposed an amendment to limit the fund's use to officers who defended against the Capitol rioters, but this amendment was ultimately rejected. Majority Leader John Thune remarked that the session could have concluded sooner without the disputes over the fund.
