Senate Dispute Jeopardizes Immigration Enforcement Funding Bill
The roughly $70 billion reconciliation bill that would fund immigration enforcement efforts through 2029 is in doubt, as Senate Republicans clash with President Trump over the creation of a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund at the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Adding a new twist is the defeat of Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in the Republican primary in Texas by Ken Paxton. Political strategists say the 27-point win by the President Trump-backed Paxton could put pressure on Senate Republicans to act on the president’s priorities, such as the DOJ fund, adding in $1 billion in funding for the White House ballroom into the reconciliation bill, and passing the SAVE America Act, which requires voter ID to vote and proof of citizenship to register to vote.
“I think this greatly strengthens President Trump’s hand with regard to the ballroom, with regard to the weaponization fund by virtue of the fact that he’s shown through an endorsement they can really push down the numbers of Republican incumbents in the Senate and House and just knock them out of office,” said former senate aide and Republican strategist Brian Darling.
Timeline Pushed Back
Senate Republicans had planned to move the immigration legislation before leaving for Memorial Day, but that plan was derailed after news of the fund came to light– effectively dooming the chances of passing the legislation by President Trump’s self-imposed June 1 deadline.
The controversy stems from a DOJ settlement tied to President Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns. The agreement establishes a nearly $1.8 billion compensation fund intended to indemnify individuals who claim they were targeted by politically motivated investigations.
Some Republican Senators fear the money might benefit the January 6 rioters who had attacked law enforcement. Others spoke out after a tense lunch meeting with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
“So the nation’s top law enforcement official is asking for a slush fund to pay people who assault cops?” said Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the former GOP leader. “Utterly stupid, morally wrong — take your pick.”
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats indicated they will offer amendments to restrict the fund while mounting broader legislative challenges to the immigration enforcement package.
“In the coming debate, the contrast between Democrats and Republicans will be on full display,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
