Texas Senator Withholds Vote on Immigration Bill Over Border Funds

A Texas Republican senator said he used his leverage to secure the release of more than $10 billion in border security funds that Congress had already approved. The senator told Semafor he informed two colleagues that his vote on the $70 billion immigration spending bill carried a price. He said a White House budget director then agreed to issue a notice of funding.

The senator is also setting conditions on his vote for the attorney general nominee. He recalled asking the nominee what he would do if the president asked him to break the law. The nominee replied that he would resign rather than follow such an order, according to the senator.

The senator is organizing a September fundraiser for several colleagues and candidates in other states. He said he will not send money to the Texas attorney general who defeated him in the primary. He cited the attorney general’s $350 million in campaign funds as sufficient for that race.

The senator expressed worry about Republican prospects in the midterms. He pointed to a recent poll showing one candidate trailing by eight points in a state where the party expected stronger performance. He described comments from state party leaders as evidence that they are alienating traditional conservative voters.

“The president seems to revel in chaos, which is so different from any other leader that I’ve ever seen." — Texas Republican senator, recent interview with Semafor. Two other Republican senators who also lost primaries said they share the Texas senator’s independent stance. One noted that both men are not returning to office and therefore have greater freedom to speak candidly.”