Senate Republicans defeat early attempt to block Trump ‘anti-weaponization’ fund
Senate Republicans defeated language to block the creation of the Justice Department’s “anti-weaponization” fund, but not without three defections from swing-state senators and hours of suspense on the chamber floor.
TL;DR
- Senate Republicans voted down an amendment to block the Justice Department's "anti-weaponization" fund.
- Three Republican senators from swing states (Collins, Husted, Sullivan) defected on the vote.
- The amendment sought to prevent the fund's creation through a process requiring only a simple majority.
- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the fund would no longer proceed but refused to commit this in writing.
- Another amendment, proposed by Sens. Cassidy and Tillis, aimed to redirect the $1.8 billion to fraud prevention at the Justice Department but failed due to lack of Democratic support.
- The Senate is also considering amendments related to immigration enforcement, such as requiring ICE officers to wear body cameras.
- Funding for Trump's East Wing ballroom was declined for the Secret Service.
- The immigration enforcement bill, if passed by the Senate, could move to the House soon after.