WASHINGTON – The Senate is currently engaged in an intensive overnight session to finalize legislation aimed at funding President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies. This effort has sparked considerable debate as both Democrats and some Republicans seek to introduce measures that would prevent Trump from establishing a controversial $1.776 billion settlement fund.
Earlier in the day, Republican senators successfully thwarted a Democratic initiative aimed at obstructing this settlement fund, which is intended to compensate individuals aligned with the president who allege political persecution. However, further amendments are anticipated as Republican Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana has indicated his plan to revisit the issue of blocking the fund.
The push for amendments serves as a litmus test for party cohesion, casting a potential shadow over the immigration spending bill. Some Republicans have consistently voiced opposition to the fund, leading to a prolonged first vote that remained open for approximately three hours as various GOP senators deliberated their positions.
“I feel optimistic that we’ll get there in the end,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., on Thursday evening, although he admitted uncertainty regarding the outcome of the votes.
Thune has been advocating for his party members to maintain focus on funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol. This funding has faced delays since early this year due to Democratic opposition, and he cautioned against introducing new provisions that could complicate passage of the bill.
If the amendment to limit the settlement were to succeed, Thune warned that it could pose significant challenges when the bill is sent to the House, potentially resulting in a presidential veto. This would disrupt a rare moment of unity among Trump and the Republican Party.
The last instance of the Senate abruptly altering a Homeland Security funding package occurred in March, resulting in the House rejecting it outright.
Settlement Fund Sparks Controversy Within GOP
The contentious settlement fund, linked to a resolution of Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS regarding the leak of his tax returns, has caused significant unrest among Republican senators. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recently stated that the fund would not proceed. However, Trump, amidst rising tensions with Senate Republicans, cast doubt on the fund’s future, labeling it “very important” and expressing uncertainty about its status.
“I’d have to ask the lawyers,” Trump remarked when pressed for details.
On Thursday, the Senate dismissed a second amendment from Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina that sought to eliminate the settlement fund while reallocating those funds to an anti-fraud initiative within the Department of Justice. Most Democrats opposed the amendment, leading to its defeat, but over ten Republicans supported it.
Tillis articulated concerns that the settlement fund, which could potentially benefit supporters of Trump involved in the January 6 Capitol riots, represents a political liability for the party. “If Blanche says this is largely inoperative, why not use this moment to codify that?” he questioned, emphasizing the potential risk to party members facing re-election.
Late-Night Amendments and Party Dynamics
As the session continued late into the night, it remained unclear how Republicans would respond to additional amendments. Cassidy, who lost his re-election bid after Trump endorsed his primary opponent, reaffirmed his intention to propose an amendment banning payouts from the settlement. He also hinted at suggesting an amendment that would grant Trump and his family immunity from IRS audits.
Several Republican senators expressed support for the idea but indicated they would need to review the final language before committing. Senator John Cornyn, who also faced defeat in his re-election campaign, acknowledged agreement with the general premise but opted to await further details. Thune reiterated that the final bill should pass without restrictions on the settlement.
“This is about border funding,” Thune emphasized. “It’s about law enforcement, it’s about ICE and CBP. So I’m trying to, you know, keep it about the main thing.”
Democrats continued to propose amendments throughout the evening, addressing a range of issues from Trump’s tariffs to his immigration enforcement policies.
“Amendment after amendment, vote after vote, Republicans are going to have to answer to the American people,” stated Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer at the beginning of the day.
Ongoing Delays in ICE and Border Patrol Funding
The passage of a roughly $70 billion bill aimed at funding ICE and the Border Patrol would effectively resolve a prolonged blockade by Democrats, who have called for policy changes following the fatal shootings of two protesters by federal agents earlier this year. The proposed funding would support these agencies for three years, covering the remainder of Trump’s term.
Senate Republicans are employing a complex procedural strategy to bypass the filibuster and advance the budget legislation without Democratic votes, although the journey to the Senate floor has been fraught with challenges stemming from Trump and the White House’s demands, including a rejected $1 billion proposal for White House security.
Democrats have argued that any funding legislation for the Homeland Security Department must impose restrictions on federal immigration authorities, such as enhanced identification for federal officers and increased reliance on judicial warrants.
After federal agents were implicated in the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Trump agreed to a Democratic request to separate the Homeland Security bill from a larger spending measure. Nonetheless, bipartisan negotiations have faltered, leading to a lapse in department funding in mid-February without any consensus on changes to the administration’s immigration enforcement tactics.
While Congress eventually secured funding for other components of the Homeland Security Department with Democratic backing in late April, ICE and Border Patrol have continued to operate without consistent funding.
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Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.
