Senate Republicans Weigh Immigration Bill After Scrapping of $1.8 Billion Fund
8 verified5 unconfirmed
Senate Republicans are evaluating whether to advance a three-year immigration enforcement funding bill after the Trump administration announced it is abandoning a $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate the president’s allies who claim to have been politically prosecuted. The fund was created as part of settling Trump’s lawsuit over the leak of his tax returns. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified Tuesday that the fund is “not moving forward,” but challengers to the program have asked a judge to require the Justice Department to provide evidence it is truly being scrapped. The administration’s announcement follows a temporary pause ordered by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, who scheduled a June 12 hearing on the matter. Senate Democrats had planned to offer amendments to eliminate the fund, forcing Republicans to go on the record and potentially delaying the immigration bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Monday it was unclear whether the immigration legislation would move this week, describing the situation as “still a work in progress.” Republican senators returned to Washington this week seeking more clarity after a revolt over the fund earlier in May.
What’s verified
The Trump administration created a $1.8 billion fund as part of settling a lawsuit over the leak of Trump’s tax returns.
The fund was intended to compensate Trump allies who claim to have been politically prosecuted.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the fund is being scrapped and is “not moving forward.”
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a temporary pause on the fund and scheduled a June 12 hearing.
Senate Republicans are weighing next steps on a three-year immigration enforcement funding bill that had been tied to the fund.
Senate Democrats planned amendments to eliminate the fund, putting Republican senators on the record.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said it was unclear if the immigration bill would move this week.
Some GOP senators had criticized the fund and demanded more information from the administration.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that despite Blanche’s statements, Trump himself called the fund a “great idea” and said many other Republicans agree.
One source listed specific challengers in the lawsuit: Common Cause, the National Abortion Federation, and the city of New Haven, Conn.
One source noted that Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and John Cornyn of Texas lost reelection bids in May after Trump endorsed their primary opponents.
One source reported that Sen. Ted Cruz described a closed-door meeting with Blanche as “one of the roughest meetings I’ve seen in my entire time in the Senate.”
One source said a DOJ official made no commitments that the fund will not be established in the future, only confirming no activities had been taken as of June 8.
Key figures
Todd Blanche, acting attorney general
Leonie Brinkema, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia
John Thune, Senate Majority Leader
Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic leader
Ted Cruz, Republican senator from Texas
John Kennedy, Republican senator from Louisiana
Bill Cassidy, former Republican senator from Louisiana
John Cornyn, former Republican senator from Texas
Sources: abcnews.com, rollcall.com
