WHO Announces $518 Million Six-month Plan to Fight Ebola

The US Senate approved a $70 billion funding package for the Department of Homeland Security, primarily aimed at bolstering immigration enforcement. The bill, which passed 52-47 largely along party lines, now moves to the House of Representatives for final approval.

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The fund was a 'settled issue.'

A significant point of contention was the absence of a ban on a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. Democrats argued for its removal, citing concerns about its potential misuse, while Republicans, including Senate Republican Leader John Thune, described it as a "settled issue." Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's testimony suggested the Department of Justice would not proceed with the fund, though Democrats sought stronger assurances.

During extensive debate, several amendments unrelated to immigration were proposed and subsequently rejected. These included efforts to block funds for a new White House ballroom and to prohibit the use of federal dollars for the "anti-weaponization" fund. Senator Lisa Murkowski opposed the bill, criticizing its bypass of the regular appropriations process and the failure to eliminate the disputed fund.

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I find it very hard to believe that they're going to submit somebody who sat in front of a committee in the House and made definitive statements about this and then somehow all of a sudden turn around and go back on them.

The approved funding is intended to support President Trump's migrant deportation crackdown over the next three years. The legislative process involved a "vote-a-rama" session, culminating in the early Friday morning vote.

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I opposed the bill because it circumvented the Senate's regular appropriations process, which requires bipartisan support, and failed to eliminate the fund.