Senate Republicans Advance DHS Bill 53-46 After Dropping $1 Billion Secret Service Funds
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 3
Senate Republicans Advance DHS Bill 53-46 After Dropping $1 Billion Secret Service Funds
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 3
Summary
A 53-46 party-line vote let Senate Republicans open debate on a reconciliation package funding DHS immigration agencies through fiscal 2029, setting up a vote-a-rama that could stretch into Thursday.
The package moved ahead after GOP leaders leaned on acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's sworn testimony that the Justice Department is not moving forward with its disputed anti-weaponization fund.
A revised text also removed $1 billion for Secret Service security tied to President Trump's planned White House ballroom after scrutiny from several Republicans helped force the funding out.
Skepticism still lingers: Sen. Thom Tillis plans an amendment to permanently bar any revival of the DOJ fund, while Trump said Wednesday he would "have to ask the lawyers" whether it was fully abandoned.
Democrats, who oppose the immigration funding push, are preparing amendments targeting the DOJ program as Republicans use budget reconciliation to bypass the Senate's usual 60-vote hurdle.