Senate Republicans Withdraw ICE Funding Bill Over $1.776 Billion Compensation Fund

The bill had been scheduled for consideration through the budget reconciliation process, which allows passage with a simple majority. Republican leaders cited uncertainty about the fund's creation and eligibility rules as reasons for delaying the measure until early June.

General Todd Blanche appeared before a Senate panel on Tuesday to address the fund. A department statement said plaintiffs would receive formal apologies and that the fund was created in exchange for dropping the lawsuit and related claims, including those tied to the Mar-a-Lago raid and Russia investigation matters.

The statement specified that President Trump would not receive payments from the fund.

Sen. John Kennedy said he wanted to know whether the money would come from the budget or require borrowing. Sen. Jerry Moran asked about the legality of establishing the fund without congressional involvement. Democratic senators questioned who would qualify for payments.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen asked whether individuals who assaulted Capitol police officers would be eligible. Blanche replied that any person who believes they were a victim of government weaponization could apply. Sen. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the White House should have consulted congressional Republicans before creating the fund.

The decision to withdraw the bill came after a meeting between Blanche and Republican senators on Thursday morning. Sen. Thom Tillis was overheard saying he would not vote for the measure. Senate leaders adjourned until early June, leaving the funding question unresolved.