Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer sharply criticized Senate Republicans after the chamber approved legislation providing an additional $70 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, arguing the measure prioritizes immigration enforcement over efforts to reduce costs for American families.
Schumer said Democrats offered a series of amendments focused on housing affordability, health care costs, child care expenses, Medicaid access and government accountability, all of which were rejected during consideration of the bill. Republicans ultimately passed the measure on a party-line vote, according to Senate Democratic leadership.
Among the Democratic proposals that failed were measures to fund the construction of 7 million affordable homes, redirect some immigration enforcement funding to child care assistance, require body cameras for ICE agents, strengthen oversight of immigration detention facilities, increase transparency in prescription drug agreements and investigate denials of Medicaid coverage. Other amendments sought to prohibit certain payments related to Jan. 6 defendants and establish additional restrictions on a federal fund Democrats repeatedly described as a “slush fund.”
In a statement following the vote, Schumer said Republicans chose to expand funding for immigration enforcement while rejecting proposals aimed at lowering housing, health care, child care and energy costs. He argued the legislation reflected Republican priorities of increasing resources and authority for the Trump administration rather than addressing affordability concerns facing families.
Republicans supporting the measure have argued that additional funding is needed to strengthen immigration enforcement and border security. The documents released by Senate Democrats focused on opposition to the legislation and outlined the amendments offered during debate.
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