Senate to vote on bill to fund immigration enforcement

Key Points:

• The Republican-led Senate advanced a $70 billion bill to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol, after removing controversial provisions including a $1.776 billion settlement fund for Trump allies and White House security funding.
• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche assured lawmakers the settlement fund would not proceed, but President Trump later expressed support for the fund and praised Jan. 6 defendants who could benefit, raising concerns among Democrats and some Republicans.
• Senate Republicans are using budget reconciliation to pass the bill without Democratic votes but face potential challenges from amendments aimed at permanently banning the settlement fund, with GOP unity uncertain.
• The bill’s progress was previously hindered by disputes over White House security funding, including Trump’s new ballroom, which was ultimately dropped amid bipartisan opposition.
• Growing friction between the White House and Senate Republicans, including disagreements over the settlement fund and controversial appointments, threatens cohesion on immigration funding and other legislative priorities.