The Senate embarked on a demanding voting session on Thursday, initiating a legislative process known as ‘vote-a-rama’ to push through a significant $70 billion immigration enforcement package. This package aims to bolster Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, and is being advanced using a budget reconciliation process, allowing Republicans to proceed without Democratic support.
A Democratic amendment to eliminate the Justice Department’s contentious ‘anti-weaponization’ fund was narrowly defeated in a 49-to-50 vote. This fund is intended to provide taxpayer-funded compensation to individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted by the federal government. The vote highlighted fractures within the Republican party, as three GOP senators—Susan Collins of Maine, Jon Husted of Ohio, and Dan Sullivan of Alaska—sided with Democrats.
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who recently lost his primary after President Trump endorsed his opponent, was seen in negotiations with GOP leadership before ultimately voting against the Democratic measure. A subsequent amendment by Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, which proposed redirecting the fund’s money to fraud enforcement, also failed with a 15-to-84 vote. This amendment saw support from eleven Republicans, including Cassidy and Collins, and three Democrats.
Despite Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s testimony before a House committee earlier this week, stating that the administration is not moving forward with the fund, skepticism remains high. Blanche’s reluctance to formalize this promise, coupled with the president’s public endorsement of the payouts, has left lawmakers uneasy.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended the administration’s position, describing Blanche’s testimony as ‘definitive.’ He acknowledged the president’s mixed views but emphasized that the attorney general would be responsible for establishing the fund.
Democrats continue to leverage the issue to pressure the GOP, which has already made concessions on the spending package. Notably, Republicans removed $1 billion initially allocated for Secret Service security at a proposed new ballroom in the White House East Wing, following internal GOP opposition.
This marathon voting session marks the final phase of a tumultuous battle over fiscal year 2026 government funding. The dispute previously resulted in a 43-day total government shutdown last fall and a partial shutdown earlier this year. With other federal agencies’ funding secured, Republicans are focused on finalizing immigration funding through the end of President Trump’s term.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
