Senate Republicans are set to begin debate Thursday on a funding package that would provide money for immigration enforcement, including ICE and Border Patrol operations, through the remainder of President Trump’s term. The debate marks a renewed push after senators left Washington last month without passing the measure, according to NPR’s Up First newsletter.
The bill’s progress was halted amid concerns from lawmakers about a nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund that the Trump administration had requested. Senators sought clarity on the fund’s purpose and scope before moving forward with the broader immigration enforcement package.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recently told Congress that the administration had scrapped its plans for the anti-weaponization fund, according to the NPR report. Blanche’s statement appeared to address one of the key obstacles to the funding bill.
However, President Trump later avoided confirming Blanche’s assertion. The president’s response left the status of the fund in question, complicating efforts to secure the votes needed to advance the legislation, the newsletter reported.
The funding package is expected to provide resources for immigration enforcement operations through the end of Trump’s term. Senate Republicans are moving forward with debate after weeks of internal disagreement over the funding bill’s contents and the administration’s demands.
The debate comes after a series of failed attempts to pass the measure. Last month, the Senate left for recess without holding a vote, as GOP senators raised objections over the anti-weaponization fund and other provisions.
The outcome of the debate remains uncertain. Passage would require near-unanimous Republican support given the expected opposition from Democrats. The fund’s unresolved status and Trump’s equivocation on Blanche’s statement could complicate efforts to secure the necessary votes.