Senate Funds DHS, Skips Democrats

0:00Senate just took a big first step to get the Department of Homeland Security back online, voting 50-48 early Thursday morning, around 3.30 a.m. on a budget plan to fund ICE and Border Patrol. The whole department has been shut down since mid-February, and Republicans pushed this through budget reconciliation to skip needing Democratic votes. This reconciliation trick only needs a simple majority in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats, dodging the usual 60 vote. Villa Buster hurdle. They used it last year for Trump's tax cuts, too. The plan sets up $70 billion over three years just for those immigration agencies, keeping things narrow amid the shutdown mess. Democrats fought back hard with amendments overnight, pushing to cut health care costs instead of boosting enforcement. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called out Republicans for prioritizing ICE cash over everyday expenses. It all stems from January shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis that kill two protesters,

1:01sparking demands for better oversight and warrants. Now the resolution heads to the House, but GOP leaders there are holding firm, refusing other DHS funding until this passes. Some Republicans want to pile on extras, like farmaid, or Trump's Save America Act for voter citizenship checks, which could drag things out. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says it's a signal to move fast. Other DHS parts, like TSA, might run dry soon if the House stalls, but Thunes optimistic they'll wrap this up quick and get everything to Trump's. Desk before midterms hit. Local news, powered by AI. This is Canada News Today. I'm Corey with the story.