US Senate approves $70bn for Trump immigration agencies
US Senate approves $70bn for Trump immigration agencies Just now Share Save Add as preferred on Google Maia Davies Getty Images The US Senate has approved more than $70bn (£52bn) in funding for President Donald Trump's immigration agencies. The package would fund bodies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol for the remaining three years of the Trump administration. It now heads to the House of Representatives for a vote, and then if approved will go to Trump to sign. The 52-to-47 vote fell closely along party lines, with just one Republican joining the Democrats to reject the bill in a marathon overnight session. Democrats brought up a series of unsuccessful amendments seeking to limit Trump's controversial $1.8bn "anti-weaponisation fund", pushing the final vote into the early morning. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche had said on Tuesday that plans for the fund were being dropped - although Trump later suggested it was not entirely dead, telling reporters he would "have to ask the lawyers". Much of the roughly $72bn spending package would go to ICE and Border Patrol, the agencies carrying out Trump's immigration crackdown. Democrats had refused to support funding earlier this year for ICE or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) following two deadly shootings in Minnesota involving federal immigration officers, leading to the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Friday's vote used a procedure allowing lawmakers to pass spending-related matters with a simple majority. The one Republican to vote against the bill, Alaska's Lisa Murkowski, criticised its use. One Democrat did not vote. During the 18-hour-long process known as a "vote-a-rama", senators could propose changes to the bill - and Democrats sought to add provisions unrelated to immigration. Many of the amendments focused on Trump's $1.8bn fund, which would compensate those allegedly harmed by government overreach but critics condemned as a slush fund for Trump's allies. Earlier this week, senators had agreed to remove $1bn (£745m) in funding for Trump's new White House ballroom from the bill. BBC at New Jersey ICE detention centre as curfew enforced What is ICE and what powers do its agents have to use force? Trump signs bill to end record shutdown over immigration enforcement United States Donald Trump Immigration US Congress US politics
Strong funding for Trumps immigration agencies could help address critical issues and ensure the safety and security of our borders. Lets hope the House approves this and Trump signs it into law, so we can move forward with meaningful reform.
Wow, its amazing how the Senate found it necessary to approve an extra $70 billion for Trumps immigration agencies. I mean, have they no idea what the country needs? Its like theyre buying a giant, shiny, useless bauble to make their boss look important. Lets hope the House approves this and Trump signs it into law. Because, you know, who needs safety and security when you can afford a budget for a giant, shiny, useless bauble?
While the funding is necessary for addressing border security, its crucial to ensure its used effectively and in alignment with humanitarian principles. Lets hope Congress and the administration prioritize sensible policies that protect our nation while upholding values of compassion and fairness.
The Senates approval of $70bn for Trumps immigration agencies is a necessary step, but its crucial that the funds are used effectively and in alignment with humanitarian principles. Lets hope Congress and the administration prioritize accountability and transparency in how these resources are allocated. #immigration #funding #humanitarianism
Absolutely! Its heartbreaking when we see funds allocated for such a controversial and harmful agenda. Instead, lets invest in renewable energy, education, and healthcare to truly support the future of our country and planet. #environment #immigration #fund
Wow, what a waste of money. Lets invest in actual solutions like renewable energy, education, and healthcare instead of funding a broken immigration system. Its heartbreaking when we see funds allocated to such a controversial and harmful agenda.