UMVA has learned that Senate Republicans have hit the pause button on their push to fund immigration enforcement, following a tense, closed-door meeting that left many lawmakers fuming. The sudden halt comes as a surprise, given that Republicans were nearing the finish line on their $72 billion package to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.
The frustration this time around isn't over internal divisions, but rather directed at the Trump administration and a surprise "anti-weaponization" fund created by the Department of Justice (DOJ). This fund has raised red flags among lawmakers, who are now questioning the administration's motives and demanding answers.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the timing of the settlement between Trump and his family and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the subsequent creation of the fund derailed Republicans' sprint to the finish line. A top Republican aide revealed that the message to the administration is clear: "we were on a glide path to passing this bill until these announcements."
The White House has responded to the criticism, with President Donald Trump downplaying the need for funding for his planned ballroom renovation. Trump claimed that the construction is being done through private funding, saying "I don't need money from the ballroom... We're building what will be the finest ballroom anywhere in the world."
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was dispatched to the Hill to address lawmakers' concerns over the "anti-weaponization" fund, which several lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have dubbed a "slush fund." However, instead of alleviating concerns, Blanche faced a barrage of questions and criticism behind closed doors.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that over two dozen Republicans demanded answers from Blanche on what kind of guardrails could be put into the fund, and specifically if those convicted for assaulting police officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, riots could be excluded. The tense exchange has left many wondering if the package will meet President Trump's June 1 deadline.
The situation is further complicated by plans from Senate Democrats to offer amendments to the package, including one that would prevent any of the DOJ's funds from going to convicted rapists. With the Senate Judiciary Committee overseeing the DOJ, it's unclear how this will play out.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that several people pardoned by Trump earlier this year, including former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, have declared that they will make claims related to the package. This development has added to the uncertainty and tension surrounding the bill.
