Key facts
- Senate Democrats blocked a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund proposed by Donald Trump.
- The vote occurred during a 'vote-a-rama' on a $70 billion immigration enforcement bill.
- An amendment sponsored by Chuck Schumer to kill the fund failed with a 50-49 vote.
- Some Republicans offered amendments to permanently eliminate or reallocate the fund.
- Critics argue the fund could be used to compensate political allies with taxpayer money.
The U.S. Senate debated a $70 billion immigration enforcement bill, which included a controversial $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund sought by President Donald Trump. During a 'vote-a-rama' session, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer proposed an amendment to kill the fund, which he called a 'slush fund for Trump's allies.' This measure failed in a 50-49 vote, revealing divisions among Senate Republicans. Some Republicans, including Senators Susan Collins, Jon Husted, and Dan Sullivan, initially supported Schumer's motion, while others, like Senator Thom Tillis, opposed it and offered their own amendments to reallocate the funds or codify the administration's abandonment of the fund. Senator Bill Cassidy is also attempting to perfect language to eliminate the fund, citing it as an 'immediate and dire threat to our constitutional order.' Critics argue the fund could allow Trump to use taxpayer dollars to compensate political allies. The White House and Justice Department had previously put the fund on hold due to opposition, but Trump has stated its importance. Separately, the Senate voted to approve President Donald Trump's request for $70 billion in additional funds for immigration enforcement, with amendments to prohibit the use of federal funds for a White House ballroom and an 'anti-weaponization' fund not being approved.