Senate Republicans withhold immigration funding bill over $1.8 billion fund

Senate Republicans are refusing to advance legislation that would provide $70 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol until they receive assurances about a proposed $1.8 billion fund. The fund was announced by the Justice Department and described as restitution for individuals targeted by prior administration actions.

Republican aides told CNN that some senators want explicit restrictions preventing payments to people convicted of assaulting police during the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident.

Meeting scheduled President Trump is scheduled to meet House Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday to discuss the legislation. A person familiar with the meeting said the fund is a central topic. A Johnson spokesman confirmed the meeting but did not specify the agenda. Some advisers have suggested adding guardrails or eliminating the fund, according to people familiar with internal discussions.

Democratic response Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a Monday letter that Democrats will offer amendments to block the fund and force recorded votes. The letter stated there would be no procedural escape for Republicans. The Senate is expected to consider nominations and a three-year extension of the FISA Section 702 surveillance program this week instead of the stalled funding measure.