Republican senators refused to advance ICE funding legislation Thursday after objecting to a $1.8 billion provision described by critics as a slush fund for compensating allies prosecuted under previous administrations. The delay came as lawmakers prepared to depart Washington for the Memorial Day recess without passing a budget reconciliation bill.
The disputed fund, labeled an anti-weaponization account, would provide payments to individuals who claim they were targeted by the Justice Department under the Biden administration. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has defended the program. Several GOP senators said they could not support the package without restructuring or removing the provision.
Senate Democrats called the fund a brazen scheme to distribute taxpayer money to political allies. Senate Judiciary Committee members demanded an independent audit and investigation. The funding bill also included resources for expanded immigration enforcement that the administration has prioritized.
House Republicans similarly struggled to unify behind the reconciliation package. Speaker Mike Johnson did not guarantee a vote before the recess. The impasse reflects growing friction within the GOP between supporters of Trump’s agenda and fiscal conservatives wary of unchecked executive spending authority.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden wrote to the Justice Department demanding an independent audit of the compensation fund. The reconciliation package also includes expanded funding for deportation operations that the Trump administration has made a centerpiece of its domestic agenda.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources:
https://www.democracynow.org/2026/5/22/headlines