Senate Adopts GOP Budget, Laying the Groundwork to Fund ICE and Reopen DHS
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The Senate passed a Republican budget blueprint early Thursday, enabling a $70 billion increase in immigration enforcement funding and the eventual reopening of the Department of Homeland Security.
- The plan was approved in a near party-line vote of 50 to 48 after an overnight vote-a-rama, where Republicans defeated multiple Democratic proposals addressing healthcare, housing, food, and energy costs.
- Republicans aim to use the budget as a foundation for a filibuster-proof bill to fund President Trump’s immigration crackdown, emphasizing a tough border security stance.
- Democrats unsuccessfully attempted to incorporate measures targeting cost-of-living challenges, criticizing Republicans for being out of touch with everyday Americans' concerns.
- The debate highlighted stark partisan divisions six months ahead of the midterm elections, with Republicans focusing on border security and Democrats on economic issues.
