The Senate approved a 70 billion dollar bill early Friday morning to fund immigration enforcement agencies for the next three years. The measure passed after an 18-hour overnight session by a 52-47 vote.
The legislation funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol through the end of President Trump's term. It passed along party lines with only one Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voting against it. Republicans defeated multiple amendments aimed at blocking or redirecting a 1.8 billion dollar settlement fund proposed by the Trump administration. The fund drew bipartisan criticism but survived after acting Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated it would not move forward. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the focus remained on immigration funding despite the delays. The bill now moves to the House, where a vote could occur as early as next week. Democrats had sought policy changes after federal agents killed two protesters in Minneapolis earlier this year. The package ends months of funding delays for the agencies.
