Senate Republicans Shelve $72 Billion Immigration Bill as Trump’s $1.8 Billion Justice Fund Falters
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 21
Senate Republicans Shelve $72 Billion Immigration Bill as Trump’s $1.8 Billion Justice Fund Falters
14 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 21
Senate Republicans left for a weeklong recess without bringing up the filibuster-proof immigration package, a sharp setback for Trump after leaders had expected floor action Thursday.
A two-hour closed-door meeting with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche failed to ease concerns about the $1.8 billion Justice Department fund, with senators saying he offered few details and weak guardrails.
John Thune said Republicans had “very legitimate questions” about how the fund would work, while Susan Collins said it was “in real trouble” and warned it could benefit Jan. 6 defendants.
The delay followed an earlier retreat on $1 billion for Trump’s White House ballroom, underscoring unusual resistance from Senate Republicans to politically risky parts of the president’s agenda before the midterms.
A new $1.8B government fund lacks judicial oversight. What guardrails will protect taxpayer money?
Can a legal settlement establish a public compensation fund without direct congressional approval?