Senado of Estados Unidos approved a budget resolution in the early hours of Thursday that paves the way for the transfer of up to US$140 billion to two federal agencies responsible for enforcing immigration policy. The measure was adopted by 50 votes to 48.
The vote took place after a marathon of debates and amendments that lasted throughout the night. The text prepares the ground for Congresso to draft specific legislation that directs resources to Serviço of Imigração and Alfândega (ICE) and to Alfândega and Proteção of Fronteiras (CBP). Essas agencies have faced a lack of funding since mid-February, when the partial shutdown of Departamento of Segurança Interna (DHS) began.
Votação followed almost total party line
Todos Democrats voted against the resolution. Dois Republicans also rejected the text: Lisa Murkowski, from Alasca, and Rand Paul, from Kentucky. Republican Majority Leader John Thune defended the initiative as essential to border security.
The process uses budget reconciliation, a mechanism that allows approval with a simple majority and bypasses obstructions. Líderes Republicans indicate that the final value of the legislation should be around US$70 billion, intended to cover the remainder of Donald Trump’s term.
Agências has been operating without full resources since February
The DHS shutdown began in mid-February following a standoff over immigration operations. ICE and CBP lead deportation and border control efforts.
Sem regular budget, operations face limitations. The Republican plan separates funding for these two agencies from the rest of the department. Mike Johnson, Republican chairman of Câmara, signaled that he intends to vote on a complementary measure for DHS without including ICE and CBP.
- The resolution instructs Senado committees to prepare the project by mid-May.
- Recursos should cover surveillance, detention and border operations.
- Republicanos seek to avoid dependence on Democratic votes.
- Democratas criticized the exclusive focus on immigration instead of living costs.
Democratas proposed amendments on social issues
Durante During the mass voting session, known as vote-a-rama, Democrats presented changes linked to supermarket prices and healthcare costs. Algumas received support from vulnerable Republicans in elections, such as Susan Collins of Maine and Dan Sullivan of Alasca. Nenhuma Democrat amendment passed.
Chuck Schumer, minority leader, said the measure prioritizes agencies over American families. Previous Negociações talks between Democrats and the Trump administration over reforms to immigration operations have made no progress.
Próximos steps involve Câmara from Representantes
The resolution now moves to Câmara, where Republicans control the majority. Comissões of justice and internal security must detail the project. The schedule provides recommendations until May 15th.
Líderes Republicans emphasize that the plan allows border security to be financed without Democratic interference. The current impasse has lasted more than two months and is affecting DHS operations.