Schumer Criticizes Senate Republicans for Supporting ICE and CBP Funding

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., expressed strong disapproval of Senate Republicans following the passage of a bill approving billions in funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The vote, which concluded with a 52-47 majority, largely followed party lines. Notably, Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined Democrats in opposing the bill.

Schumer stated, “Tonight, Senate Republicans passed a rotten bill that makes their priorities painfully clear: more money for Donald Trump, more power for Donald Trump, and nothing to lower costs for working families. Republicans refused to permanently outlaw Trump’s $2 billion slush fund, leaving taxpayers to rely on nothing more than a promise from Donald Trump’s personal fixer. That is not accountability. That is a permission slip.”

The bill, which injects $70 billion into these agencies, was criticized by Schumer as support for Trump’s “personal police force.” He claimed this occurred while Republicans rejected Democratic efforts aimed at reducing costs for necessities like housing, healthcare, gas, and childcare. According to Schumer, the Republican agenda favors Trump’s interests over those of working Americans.

The Department of Justice recently commented on the settlement agreement in the case of President Donald J. Trump v. Internal Revenue Service. It announced the establishment of ‘The Anti-Weaponization Fund,’ designed to address claims of misuse of governmental power. The fund is set to receive $1.776 billion from a perpetual appropriation meant to settle court cases.

During a congressional hearing, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that this fund had not yet been implemented, with essential components like commissioners and claims still absent. Under scrutiny from lawmakers, Blanche clarified that no immediate steps to activate the fund would take place.

Following the vote, Schumer asserted, “Now the whole country can see the truth: Republicans fought to safeguard Donald Trump’s slush fund but didn’t act to aid working families in reducing their expenses.” He accused Republicans of consistently choosing policies benefiting Trump over initiatives addressing housing affordability, gas prices, health insurance reforms, and childcare costs.

The bill must still pass the House of Representatives before potentially receiving approval from President Donald Trump.