WASHINGTON — In a flurry of rapid votes late last night, most Senate Republicans rejected a suite of measures that Democrats said would reduce everyday costs for Americans, while separate talks to approve billions of dollars for immigration enforcement are underway.
What did the Democrats propose?
Just before 12:01 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 23, Democrats unsuccessfully attempted to attach a series of amendments to the federal budget blueprint. His legislation, he said, would ultimately lower rates on gas, groceries, health care and school meals by creating a reserve fund, preventing future price-gouging bills and reversing the food-stamp cut.
GOP lawmakers accused their counterparts of orchestrating a political stunt and saying they were prolonging the record-long shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
The so-called “Vote-a-Rama” was one of the most significant, though futile, pieces of political leverage at Democrats’ disposal in a bitter, months-long battle over immigration enforcement since the killing of two Minnesotans by federal officers in January. Although these measures failed to advance, they represented some politically difficult votes for members of the opposing party, especially during the resulting midterm election year that could swing control of Congress to the Democrats in November.
Two Republicans broke ranks
In particular, two Republicans facing reelection in purple states — Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Dan Sullivan of Alaska — threw their support behind some efforts to curb out-of-pocket medical expenses and grocery prices.
“Democrats are standing up for the American people,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said on the Senate floor.
DHS shutdown and immigration funding
At the same time, the GOP successfully cleared a key hurdle toward fully funding DHS again — as well as directing more money to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, both top priorities for Republicans.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, chairman of the Budget Committee, said, “Why are we here? Our Democratic colleagues have refused to defund Border Patrol and ICE at a time of great threat to our country.” “We tried to make some improvements, but you refused.”
It is unclear when Congress might move toward completely ending the DHS shutdown, which has lasted more than two months. Homeland Security Secretary Markway Mullin said on “Fox & Friends” this week that the money will run out by the beginning of May due to President Donald Trump’s directive to reallocate funds to pay DHS employees, including airport security staff.
“I have one payroll left and no more emergency funds, so the president can’t make another executive order because there’s no more money there,” he said.
Zachary Sharmele is a congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at (email protected). Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social