RismadarVoice Reporters, June 5, 2026
The United States Senate has approved a $70 billion funding package aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement agencies, despite fierce bipartisan criticism over a controversial $1.8 billion settlement fund linked to President Donald Trump.
The legislation, passed in the early hours of Friday with a 52-47 vote, provides long-term funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol through the remainder of Trump’s presidency. The measure now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the sole member of her party to oppose the bill, joining all Senate Democrats in voting against it. Democratic Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado was absent during the vote.
Murkowski expressed support for funding border security agencies but criticised the use of the budget reconciliation process, which allows legislation affecting spending and taxation to pass with a simple majority rather than the usual 60-vote threshold.
She also objected to the inclusion of the so-called “anti-weaponisation” fund, a settlement programme established by the Trump administration following litigation over the disclosure of the president’s tax records.
Under the approved package, ICE will receive $38.6 billion, while the Border Patrol is allocated $22.6 billion. The Department of Homeland Security will receive $5 billion, and more than $108 million has been earmarked for child exploitation investigations.
However, lawmakers declined to impose restrictions on the settlement fund, despite concerns from both Democrats and some Republicans that it could be used to channel taxpayer money to Trump allies, including individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot.
During an 18-hour amendment session known as a “vote-a-rama,” senators introduced 29 amendments and motions. Several efforts to either eliminate the settlement fund or place limits on its use were ultimately defeated.
One proposed amendment sought to bar payments to January 6 rioters convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers. Although it received support from eight Republican senators, it failed to secure the 60 votes required for adoption.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended the decision not to include restrictions, pointing to assurances from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that the administration would not move forward with the fund.
According to Thune, the issue had effectively been resolved after the administration signalled its intention to abandon the proposal.
Democrats remained unconvinced. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticised Republicans for failing to permanently eliminate what he described as a potential “slush fund,” arguing that taxpayers were being asked to rely solely on promises from Trump allies rather than legally binding safeguards.
Schumer also accused Republicans of rejecting Democratic amendments designed to reduce the cost of housing, healthcare, childcare and fuel.
In a separate development, the Senate rejected a procedural vote to begin consideration of extending surveillance powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The proposal failed after Democrats raised concerns about the appointment of Trump ally Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
The immigration funding bill now awaits action in the House of Representatives. Lawmakers are not expected to take it up until next week after House leaders cancelled Friday’s voting schedule.
The debate over the settlement fund had previously delayed Senate consideration of the measure, and the issue remains politically contentious despite administration officials indicating they may no longer pursue it. Also, reports have it that democrats have vowed to continue pressing for tighter oversight of both the fund and federal immigration enforcement agencies.
