Senate Advances $70 Billion Border Security Package, Setting Up Marathon Amendment Fight
The Senate voted 53-46 along party lines Wednesday to begin debate on a $70 billion border security package that would provide major funding increases for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.
The procedural vote moves the legislation one step closer to passage and sets up a lengthy amendment process Thursday known on Capitol Hill as a “vote-a-rama,” during which senators can offer and vote on a large number of amendments.
The legislation is one of the Trump administration’s top priorities as it seeks additional resources for immigration enforcement and border security operations.
“Right now, the goal is to get the base bill across the finish line,” John Thune told reporters following the vote.
A major point of contention remains the proposed $1.776 billion anti-weaponization settlement fund, which has drawn criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans.
Democrats have pledged to force votes aimed at permanently blocking the fund after President Trump continued to defend the proposal during remarks at the White House.
“I love it,” Trump said when asked about the fund. “I think it’s so important.”
When questioned about comments from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that the administration was no longer moving forward with the program, Trump replied: “I’d have to ask the lawyers, I don’t know.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer argued that the president’s comments demonstrated the need for legislative action to formally prohibit the fund.
Republicans are also divided on the issue. Sen. Thom Tillis has announced plans to offer an amendment that would prevent any future attempt to revive the program.
“We’ve got a sufficient number of Republicans who have been very clear they’ve got concerns there,” Tillis said.
Thune suggested Blanche’s recent assurances helped ease concerns among many Republican senators.
The bill also faced earlier controversy over a proposed $1 billion allocation for White House security projects, including President Trump’s planned ballroom. That funding was later removed from the legislation.
House Republican leaders indicated Wednesday they would like to move quickly once the Senate completes its work.
“We just need to make sure everybody’s there,” said Steve Scalise.
Republicans are advancing the legislation through the budget reconciliation process, which allows passage with a simple Senate majority and avoids the need for Democratic support. The same procedure was used to pass last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Trump signed into law on July 4.