Key facts
- Senate Republicans voted against an amendment to kill President Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund.
- The amendment failed in a 50-49 vote.
- Twelve Republicans supported an amendment by Senator Thom Tillis to reallocate the fund's resources.
- The vote took place during a "vote-a-rama" session on a $70 billion immigration enforcement bill.
- Critics call the fund a "slush fund" for Trump's allies.
- President Trump expressed strong support for the fund, calling it 'so important'.
Senate Republicans largely voted against efforts to permanently eliminate President Donald Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund, a move Democrats have labeled a "slush fund" for political allies. The votes occurred during a marathon "vote-a-rama" session on a $70 billion immigration enforcement bill. While a motion by Democratic leader Chuck Schumer to kill the fund failed 50-49, it exposed divisions within the Republican conference. Senator Thom Tillis proposed his own amendment to reallocate the fund's resources to fraud enforcement, which garnered support from 12 Republicans but also failed. President Trump has expressed strong support for the fund, stating it is "so important," despite assurances from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that the administration was abandoning it. Some Republicans fear the fund could be used to compensate individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot. The legislative push aims to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol through fiscal year 2029.