Republican senators blocked a vote on immigration enforcement funding legislation after objecting to a $1.8 billion Justice Department compensation fund tied to President Donald Trump’s settlement with the Internal Revenue Service.
The dispute delayed action on a broader spending package that included resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. GOP members said they wanted restrictions on the anti-weaponization fund before approving the bill.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the fund before Senate appropriators, saying it would provide a systematic process for people alleging government lawfare. Several Republicans nonetheless criticized the mechanism as lacking accountability and congressional oversight.
Lawmakers departed Washington for the Memorial Day recess without passing the reconciliation measure. Democrats called the fund a vehicle for compensating Trump allies prosecuted under previous administrations. The impasse left ICE budget negotiations unresolved as enforcement operations continued under existing appropriations.
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana argued on social media that voters cared more about housing and grocery costs than creating a compensation fund without legal precedent. Fox News reported few Republicans actively defended the fund as GOP leaders planned closed-door meetings with Blanche. Democrats prepared floor votes designed to test party unity on the settlement mechanism.
Senator Chris Van Hollen called the fund an outrageous and unprecedented slush fund during floor debate. Republican Senator Mike Lawler and others said they would seek congressional involvement before allowing unrestricted disbursements from the Judgment Fund.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources:
https://www.democracynow.org/2026/5/22/headlines