Senate Republicans voted against an amendment to block the creation of the Justice Department’s ‘anti-weaponization’ fund on Thursday. The vote saw three Republican senators—Susan Collins (R-ME), Jon Husted (R-OH), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK)—defect from their party, but their votes were insufficient for the amendment to pass. The amendment was proposed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) as part of a broader discussion regarding a $1.776 billion settlement fund.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed lawmakers that the fund would not proceed following bipartisan concerns, although he did not provide a written commitment. The amendment's failure means that a larger immigration enforcement bill, which includes $70 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will continue to move forward. The Senate vote was prolonged, lasting over three hours, as Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) consulted with fellow Republicans.
The Senate will also consider amendments related to immigration enforcement, including a proposal for ICE officers to wear body cameras. If the Senate passes the immigration enforcement bill, the House may take action as early as Friday.