Congress nears final vote on $70 billion immigration funding package

The U.S. House has moved closer to approving a $70 billion immigration funding package after Senate passage last week. Lawmakers could hold a final vote as early as Tuesday and send the measure to President Donald Trump. 

The legislation would fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through the end of Trump’s term. House leaders are now working to secure enough support before the measure reaches the floor.

Senate advances funding bill after months of debate

According to Senate records, lawmakers approved the package early Friday by a 52-47 vote. The measure funds ICE and CBP, which Congress left out of an earlier spending bill. Republican leaders said Democratic opposition during appropriations talks forced them to seek another route. As a result, Republicans relied on budget reconciliation to move the legislation forward. The process requires only a simple Senate majority instead of the usual sixty votes.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the only Republican who opposed the measure. Following the vote, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham defended the legislation. Graham said Democrats opposed funding for Border Patrol and ICE during earlier negotiations. He stated, “We were forced to use the reconciliation process because Democrats objected.” Graham also said the bill would preserve border security measures through the remainder of Trump’s presidency.

Meanwhile, House lawmakers prepared to consider the package after the Senate vote. The Rules Committee scheduled review of the legislation before floor consideration. Republican leaders expect limited Democratic support during the final vote. Because Republicans hold only a narrow majority, Speaker Mike Johnson needs support from nearly all Republican members. House leaders expect a decision within days.

Shutdown dispute shaped immigration funding fight

The funding debate began in January after a partial government shutdown. Democrats opposed funding for ICE and CBP following a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. During that operation, two civilians died, and lawmakers disputed enforcement policies. Negotiations then stalled, and Congress failed to reach a funding agreement. The dispute continued for more than two months before lawmakers pursued reconciliation.

Budget reconciliation applies only to spending-related legislation under Senate rules. However, the process allows passage with fifty votes instead of sixty. Republican lawmakers used that option after talks with Democrats collapsed. Senate leaders then scheduled a vote after completing procedural requirements. The legislation advanced despite continuing disagreement between both parties.

At the same time, another dispute briefly threatened the bill’s progress. President Trump proposed a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund without prior consultation with Congress. The proposal drew criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Senate leaders delayed a planned vote in late May while members debated the provision. Lawmakers later resumed consideration after negotiations continued.

Trump’s proposal draws attention before the House vote

During a Senate vote-a-rama process, Democrats introduced an amendment targeting Trump’s proposed fund. The amendment sought to prevent the administration from establishing the program. Democratic leaders argued the fund could compensate individuals they considered political allies. However, the amendment failed after most Republican senators opposed the effort. Only three Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the proposal.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Republican support for the package after the vote. In a statement, Schumer accused Republicans of protecting Trump’s proposed fund. He said, “Now the whole country can see the truth.” Schumer also argued lawmakers failed to address costs facing American workers. His comments followed the amendment’s defeat in the Senate.

Now attention has shifted to the House, where lawmakers will determine the bill’s final outcome. Republican leaders continue counting votes before bringing the measure to the floor. If approved, the package will head directly to President Trump for signature. House members could complete final action on the legislation as soon as Tuesday.