The U.S. House of Representatives could hold a final vote as early as Tuesday on a $70 billion immigration funding package. The legislation would fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the end of President Trump's term. House leaders are counting votes ahead of the floor debate, needing nearly all Republican members due to a narrow majority. Democratic support is expected to be limited.
Senate Advances 52-47, Reconciliation Used
Senate lawmakers approved the package early Friday in a 52-47 vote. The measure funds ICE and CBP that were left out of an earlier spending bill. Republican leaders said Democratic opposition during appropriations talks forced them to turn to budget reconciliation, which requires only a simple majority in the Senate instead of the usual 60 votes. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the sole Republican opponent. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham defended the legislation after the vote, arguing that Democrats opposed funding for Border Patrol and ICE during earlier negotiations. He stated the bill preserves border security measures through the remainder of Trump's presidency.
Trump's $1.8B Anti-Weaponization Fund Draws Fire
During the process, President Trump proposed an $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund without prior consultation with Congress. The proposal drew bipartisan criticism and briefly stalled the bill's progress in late May. During the Senate vote-a-rama, Democrats introduced an amendment to block the fund, but only three Republicans joined them. The amendment failed. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of protecting Trump's fund, saying, "Now the whole country can see the truth." He argued lawmakers failed to address costs for working Americans.
House Outlook and Timeline
The House Rules Committee has scheduled review before floor consideration. Republican leaders expect a decision within days. If approved, the package will head directly to Trump for signature. The funding debate began in January after a partial government shutdown following a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis that resulted in two civilian deaths. Negotiations stalled for more than two months before Republicans turned to reconciliation. The bill is a key pillar of Trump's border policy, and its fate in the House remains a focus.