UK PM Says Russia Could Attack NATO Within Four Years

The US Senate has approved a $70 billion funding package for the Department of Homeland Security, a move that includes significant resources for immigration enforcement. The legislation, passed by a vote of 52-47, now heads to the House of Representatives for final consideration. Notably, the bill does not include a provision to ban a contentious $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, which critics allege could compensate political allies for perceived government mistreatment.

Democrats largely opposed the bill, citing the absence of the ban on the "anti-weaponization" fund. Senator Lisa Murkowski was the sole Republican to vote against the measure, stating her opposition stemmed from the bill bypassing the Senate's regular appropriations process and its failure to eliminate the fund. Senate Republican Leader John Thune described the fund as a "settled issue," referencing assurances from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that the Department of Justice would not proceed with it, although Democrats remain unconvinced.

Republicans have accused Democrats of attempting to "defund" Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. However, they point out that these agencies already possess a combined $100 billion in unspent funds from a previous spending package. The funding approved by the Senate is intended to support President Trump's initiatives for migrant deportation crackdowns over the next three years.

Much of the debate surrounding the ICE funding bill was dominated by attempts from both Democrats and some Republicans to introduce amendments unrelated to immigration. These efforts included proposals to prohibit the use of federal funds and private donations for the construction of a large ballroom on White House grounds desired by Trump, as well as provisions to prevent federal dollars from being used for the "anti-weaponization" fund. None of these amendments were successful. The House is not expected to review the bill until the following week.

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The fund was a settled issue.