Senate Republicans delay $70 billion immigration funding vote

Senate Republicans have delayed a vote on a major immigration enforcement funding bill, missing a self-imposed deadline amid internal disputes over security funding for a White House ballroom and a newly created Justice Department settlement fund. The decision effectively stalls a roughly $70 billion package intended to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.

The immediate obstacles are twofold. First, Republican leaders are expected to drop a $1 billion Secret Service security request, which included approximately $220 million for enhancements related to a presidential ballroom. Many Republican senators questioned the timing and cost, with some arguing it was inappropriate given economic concerns among voters. The provision was further complicated by a weekend ruling from the Senate parliamentarian, who found it violated budgetary rules governing the bill.

Second, a $1.8 billion Justice Department fund, established as part of a settlement to resolve a lawsuit over the leak of tax returns, has sparked significant concern. The fund is designed to provide restitution to individuals who claim political persecution. Republican senators met with Acting Attorney...