Senate advances immigration funding bill overnight

The Senate remained in session overnight to advance legislation funding immigration enforcement agencies. Democrats and some Republicans offered amendments aimed at permanently blocking a proposed $1.776 billion settlement fund. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said he would offer a similar amendment later in the session.

Settlement fund draws bipartisan opposition The Senate also rejected an amendment from Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina that would have redirected the settlement money to a Justice Department anti-fraud account. More than 10 Republicans joined most Democrats in voting against the measure.

Tillis said the fund could become a political liability because some payments might reach individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol events. He argued that codifying Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's statement that the fund would not move forward would protect members facing reelection.

Immigration bill faces procedural hurdles Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the legislation should remain focused on funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. He warned that adding settlement restrictions could complicate House consideration or prompt a veto.

The roughly $70 billion measure would provide three years of funding for the agencies. Republicans are using a procedural maneuver to bypass the filibuster and pass the bill without Democratic support. Democrats continued offering amendments on tariffs, immigration enforcement, and other topics throughout the night.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans would have to answer to voters for each vote.