Key facts
- The Senate voted to start considering a package to fund immigration enforcement agencies.
- The vote was 53-46.
- Republicans had delayed the vote, pushing back on the White House's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund."
- The vote kicks off hours of debate and amendment votes before final passage later this week.
The U.S. Senate has voted to begin considering a package aimed at funding immigration enforcement agencies. This procedural vote, which passed 53-46, occurred after weeks of delay. Republicans had opposed the measure, specifically pushing back against the White House's proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund." The vote on Wednesday initiates a period of extensive debate, which will be followed by numerous amendment votes before the bill is put to a final vote later in the week.