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Senate moves stalled immigration bill forward
The US Senate voted 53-45 on Wednesday to proceed with a long-delayed immigration spending package after Republicans removed $1 billion earmarked for security upgrades at President Donald Trump's planned White House ballroom.
Funding controversy
The removed allocation was intended to enhance Secret Service security at the new facility, a priority following a shooting incident at a Trump-hosted gala in April. Trump had previously stated the ballroom-designed for state functions-would be privately funded, but the funds were included in the broader spending bill.
Senate rule enforcers sided with Democrats, who argued the security funds were unrelated to immigration and should not be attached to the $72 billion package for agencies like ICE and Border Patrol.
Next steps and delays
The Senate will now debate the bill and consider amendments, a process expected to extend into Thursday. If approved, the legislation will move to the House of Representatives before reaching Trump's desk for final approval.
Progress on the bill had stalled for months, further complicated by Republican objections to a proposed $1.8 billion Department of Justice fund labeled an "anti-weaponization" initiative. Critics, including Democrats, alleged the fund would serve as a slush fund for Trump allies, including Capitol rioters from 2021.
DOJ drops fund but uncertainty remains
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed on Tuesday that the Justice Department was abandoning plans for the fund but refused to formalize the decision in writing. Trump later suggested to reporters that the proposal might not be fully dead, stating he would "have to ask the lawyers."
Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced plans to introduce legislation banning such funds, while other GOP members and Democrats have vowed to block the initiative through new laws.
Ballroom project faces setback
Democrats have opposed Trump's plan to construct a large ballroom on the site of the demolished White House East Wing. While the removal of funds marks a setback, the impact on the project's timeline or feasibility remains unclear.
