How Thune overcame a Trump-sized roadblock to funding ICE
By hour 13 of Thursday’s Senate “vote-a-rama,” Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) was growing visibly frustrated.
TL;DR
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune faced frustration during a lengthy vote-a-rama over an "anti-weaponization" fund.
- The fund, intended for Justice Department payouts to Jan. 6 defendants, was declared dead by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
- Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) sought to include a provision blocking the fund in legislation funding DHS deportation operations.
- President Trump's involvement, including creating the fund and sending mixed signals, complicated legislative efforts.
- The immigration enforcement bill faced additional hurdles, including disputes over funding for the White House East Wing ballroom and a proposed triumphal arch.
- Thune aimed for a "skinny" bill, but Trump's actions and Cassidy's persistent efforts created delays.
- The bill's passage was complicated by a monthslong saga involving negotiations, a DHS shutdown, and differing Democratic and Republican priorities.
- Trump's opposition to a go-it-alone plan and demands related to the SAVE America Act added further challenges.
- The episode highlighted a growing gulf between Senate Republicans and the White House, strained by Trump's actions and their impact on Republican incumbents.
- An amendment to block the fund and redirect money to a DOJ fraud task force failed without Democratic support.