Senate Republicans advance $70 billion immigration funding bill (opens in new tab)

The Republican-led Senate voted 53-46 on Wednesday to begin debate on a roughly $70 billion immigration enforcement package that would fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol through fiscal year 2029, setting up a prolonged amendment process before final passage. Republicans are using budget reconciliation, which can allow passage without Democratic votes if the measure complies with Senate budget rules. Senate Republicans advanced the measure after the Justice Dep...