The US Senate delivered a significant win to President Donald Trump early Friday, approving a bill that allocates an additional $70 billion to the Department of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for final consideration.
The measure passed on a 52–47 vote, with all Democrats opposed and one Republican breaking ranks. The bill does not include a Democratic-backed proposal to block a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund that critics warn could be used to compensate Trump allies who claim government mistreatment.
Republican leaders dismissed concerns about the fund. Senate GOP Leader John Thune called the issue “settled,” pointing to testimony earlier this week from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who told lawmakers the Justice Department had no plans to pursue the fund. Democrats said Blanche’s assurances were insufficient.
Trump has since said he intends to nominate Blanche as attorney general, a move that would require Senate confirmation. Thune signaled that such a nomination could face resistance.
“I find it very hard to believe that they’re going to submit somebody who sat in front of a committee in the House and made definitive statements about this, and then somehow turn around and go back on them,” Thune said. “I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Still, Trump on Wednesday reiterated that establishing the fund remains important to him.
Republicans have accused Democrats of “defunding” Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol—claims Democrats reject—despite the agencies together holding roughly $100 billion in previously allocated but unspent funds from a DHS package passed last year when Republicans controlled Congress.
The House is not expected to take up the measure until next week.
Thursday’s debate was consumed in part by attempts from Democrats and a handful of Republicans to add provisions unrelated to immigration. Several proposals sought to bar federal funds or private donations from being used to construct a 90,000‑square‑foot ballroom on White House grounds that Trump supports. Senators also considered amendments blocking any funding for the “anti-weaponization” account. All such amendments failed.
