Congress returns with immigration funding, antiweaponization fund tied up
Congress returns to Washington after the Memorial Day break with a lengthy to-do list that includes immigration enforcement funding and the president’s antiweaponization fund. Republicans aim to approve three years of funding for immigration enforcement, but the measure is stalled because President Trump insists on including a nearly $2 billion antiweaponization fund. Senate Democrats plan to propose amendments that would force Republican colleagues to vote on outlawing that fund, which could get around 30 Republican votes and embarrass GOP leaders. GOP leaders pushed the vote on the package to this week, but Trump has not backed down. Separately, Congress is also dealing with votes over the Iran war; the Senate advanced a measure to force an end to the conflict, and the House delayed a vote on a Democratic War Powers Resolution when Republican absences suggested it might pass. All such resolutions are largely symbolic, as the president can veto them, though the Constitution requires congressional approval for the conflict. Political dynamics are expected to grow more difficult as the November general election approaches, with Trump’s list of GOP lawmaker enemies swelling and Speaker Mike Johnson holding effectively a one-vote majority due to a long-term medical absence.
What’s reported
Congress returned to Washington after Memorial Day break with a long to-do list.
Republicans want to fund immigration enforcement for the rest of Trump’s term as insurance if they lose power to Democrats.
The funding measure is stuck because Trump wants to include a nearly $2 billion antiweaponization fund.
Trump allocated that money unilaterally, despite Congress’s role in appropriating taxpayer dollars.
Democrats will propose amendments to the immigration enforcement bill, including one to outlaw the antiweaponization fund, which could get around 30 Republican votes.
GOP leaders pushed the vote on the package to this week.
The Senate advanced a measure to force an end to the Iran war, which is driving up the cost of living.
Trump backed a primary opponent against Senator Bill Cassidy; Cassidy lost his re-election race and joined Democrats on the war measure.
The House delayed a vote on a Democratic War Powers Resolution after Republican absences suggested it would pass.
These resolutions are mostly symbolic; the president can veto them.
The Constitution gives Congress power to declare war and regulate military conflicts, and Trump is legally required to get approval to continue the war.
Speaker Mike Johnson has effectively a one-vote majority due to a long-term medical absence.
Trump pushed out not only Cassidy but also Senator John Cornyn and Representative Thomas Massie from their seats.
Massie could decide to sink any vote he chooses.
Only about 25 races are competitive in the general election.
Key figures
President Trump
Senator Cory Booker (mentioned as a lawmaker returning from break)
Senator Bill Cassidy (Louisiana)
Senator John Cornyn (Texas)
Representative Thomas Massie (Kentucky)
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson
Eric McDaniel (NPR reporter)
A Martínez (NPR host)
Steve Inskeep (NPR host)
Sources: NPR
