Key facts
- Senate advanced a $72 billion budget reconciliation bill.
- The bill is intended to fund immigration agencies within the Department of Homeland Security.
- The advancement vote was 53-46.
- The vote initiates hours of debate and amendment votes.
- Final passage is expected later this week.
The Senate advanced a $72 billion budget reconciliation bill on Wednesday afternoon with a 53-46 vote. This bill is intended to fund immigration agencies within the Department of Homeland Security. The advancement of the bill triggers a period of hours of debate, followed by a series of unlimited, back-to-back amendment votes. Final passage of the bill is expected later this week. Senate Majority Leader John Thune had expressed hope for sufficient Republican votes to move the bill forward. The reconciliation bill funding immigration agencies advanced in the Senate along party lines on Wednesday afternoon. The 53-46 vote kicks off hours of debate, followed by a series of unlimited back-to-back amendment votes before final passage later this week.