Senate passes major immigration spending bill
The US Senate has approved a funding package worth more than $70bn for immigration enforcement agencies under President Donald Trump’s administration. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for approval before reaching the president’s desk for signing.
The vote passed 52 to 47, mostly along party lines. Only one Republican senator opposed it, joining Democrats in rejecting the measure during a long overnight session.
Funding boost for ICE and Border Patrol
A large share of the funding will go to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. These agencies are central to Trump’s ongoing immigration enforcement agenda.
If fully approved, the money will support operations for the remaining three years of the administration.
Heated debate over controversial provisions
The Senate session included an 18-hour amendment process known as a vote-a-rama. During this time, lawmakers introduced several changes, many of which failed.
Democrats tried to restrict a proposed $1.8bn fund tied to claims of government overreach. Critics described it as a politically sensitive slush fund, while supporters defended its purpose.
The proposal also faced controversy after acting Attorney General Todd Blanche suggested earlier in the week that the fund might be dropped. Trump later said the decision was not final and indicated legal review was still ongoing.
Political divide and shutdown background
Democrats previously refused to support ICE and Customs and Border Protection funding earlier this year. That standoff followed fatal shootings involving federal immigration officers in Minnesota and contributed to a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
Other budget changes
Lawmakers also removed $1bn previously allocated for a planned White House ballroom from the spending package before the final vote.
House vote next
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. If it passes there, it will go to President Trump for final approval.
