US Senate passes $70bn immigration bill after clashes over settlement fund
Summary
The US Senate approved a $70 billion bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies, including ICE and border patrol, through the end of President Donald Trump’s term. The bill faced delays and disputes over a separate $1.776 billion settlement fund related to Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS, but Republicans ultimately kept the focus on immigration funding.Key Facts
- The Senate voted 52-47 to pass the $70 billion immigration funding bill.
- The bill funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border patrol for three years.
- Democrats had blocked this funding for several months before the bill passed.
- The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, expected to consider it next week.
- A $1.776 billion settlement fund linked to Trump’s IRS lawsuit caused delays and disagreements.
- Republicans blocked amendments aiming to ban or redirect the settlement fund payments.
- Senator Bill Cassidy proposed an amendment to redirect settlement funds to law enforcement officers injured during the January 6 Capitol attack, but it was defeated.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune urged GOP senators to avoid adding extra provisions to pass the bill smoothly.
- President Trump expressed uncertainty about the status of the settlement fund shortly before the vote.
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