The Senate postponed a vote on a $72bn bill to fund immigration enforcement operations before Memorial Day recess. The delay reflected political backlash within the Republican Party against President Donald Trump. Two recent administration decisions prompted pushback. One involved a newly unveiled anti-weaponisation fund created through a lawsuit settlement tied to Trump’s dispute with the IRS over a contractor leak of tax refunds. The settlement set aside nearly $1.776bn to compensate recipients deemed unfairly treated. Critics argued the arrangement created a conflict of interest and could benefit Trump supporters. Senate Republicans questioned acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about approving the settlement, and several senators publicly criticized the fund.
"The Senate delayed a vote on immigration enforcement funds in a rare show of dissent ahead of its Memorial Day recess. Senate Republicans in the United States have punted on a vote to fund immigration enforcement operations before a long holiday weekend, in a rare show of political backlash against President Donald Trump. On Thursday, the Republican-led chamber had planned to vote on a $72bn funding bill to help fuel Trump's mass deportation campaign."
"Monday's settlement put aside nearly $1.776bn to pay recipients deemed to have been treated unfairly by the government an anti-weaponisation fund that opponents say would serve as a cash cow for Trump's supporters. Senate Republicans summoned acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to Capitol Hill on Thursday to question his decision to greenlight the settlement, which draws from Justice Department funds that ordinarily need no congressional approval."
"Nebraska Senator Don Bacon later indicated to reporters that the issue had shaken Trump's Republican backing. He's lost some support in the Senate, Bacon said, responding to Trump's lawsuit. He's the plaintiff and the boss of the defendants. So just on the surface, it smells. Senator Thom Tillis, another Republican, likewise denounced the anti-weaponisation fund."
"Senator Thom Tillis, another Republican, likewise denounced the anti-weaponisation fund. He is not seeking re-election in November's heated midterm elections, after clashing with Trump. I think it's stupid on stilts, Tillis told Spec"
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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