Key facts
- The Senate advanced a $72 billion budget reconciliation bill for immigration agencies. The vote to begin debate was 53-46.
- A stalled immigration enforcement funding bill also advanced in the Senate with a 53-46 vote.
- Seven Senate Republicans blocked debate on the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
- Concerns over Bill Pulte's appointment as acting director of national intelligence contributed to blocking the FISA debate.
- The House passed the Ukraine Support Act with $1.3 billion in security aid and $8 billion in loans.
- The House vote on the Ukraine aid bill was 226-195, with 18 Republicans joining Democrats.
- Senate Republicans removed $1 billion for White House ballroom security upgrades from a budget bill.
- Four Republican senators joined Democrats to block the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.
- Senate Republicans passed a party-line bill to fund ICE and CBP until the end of President Donald Trump's term.
- Senator Susan Collins cast her 10,000th consecutive Senate vote.
The U.S. Senate has been the site of significant legislative activity this week, advancing several key bills while also experiencing notable blocks and internal party disagreements. A $72 billion budget reconciliation bill aimed at funding immigration agencies within the Department of Homeland Security successfully advanced, with a 53-46 vote initiating hours of debate and amendment votes. This advancement follows a similar vote on a stalled immigration enforcement funding bill, also passing 53-46, which will also undergo extensive debate and amendment processes. Republicans had previously delayed this funding bill, expressing opposition to the White House's proposed $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund." In a move that highlights ongoing security concerns, seven Senate Republicans joined Democrats to block debate on the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is set to expire on June 12. This opposition stems from concerns regarding the appointment of Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence. Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Ukraine Support Act with bipartisan backing, allocating $1.3 billion in security aid and $8 billion in loans to Ukraine. This package also includes escalating sanctions and a substantial 500% tariff on Russian imports. The House vote was 226-195, with 18 Republicans supporting the measure, though its path forward in the Senate and potential presidential veto present significant hurdles. Within the Senate's budget negotiations, Republicans made a strategic decision to remove $1 billion designated for security upgrades to a proposed White House ballroom from a revised budget reconciliation bill. GOP leaders deemed this funding too risky, fearing it could jeopardize the passage of the broader immigration bill. On the election integrity front, Senator Josh Hawley voiced his disapproval after four Republican senators sided with Democrats to block the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This bill proposed requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID for federal elections, a measure Hawley championed as essential for federal election integrity, while opponents advocated for state-level control. In a party-line vote, Senate Republicans successfully passed a bill to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agencies through the remainder of President Donald Trump's term, with attention now shifting to the House. Senator Susan Collins achieved a historic milestone, casting her 10,000th consecutive Senate vote, becoming the first senator to do so. She notably voted for a Democratic motion to commit a $70 billion budget reconciliation package to the Judiciary Committee. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed caution regarding the pursuit of a third reconciliation bill following a recent "vote-a-rama," indicating potential challenges with future fast-track budget legislation.