Several Republicans still want language inserted into the so-called reconciliation bill to prevent the fund’s creation as President Donald Trump and senior administration officials offer conflicting messages on whether the controversial Department of Justice reimbursement plan for alleged targets of Biden-era “lawfare” is dead.But alterations to block the DOJ fund could jeopardize the GOP’s ability to pass the $70 billion bill along party lines as early as Thursday. With a 53-47 majority, Republicans can afford but three defections on the filibuster-skirting measure to fund federal immigration agencies through 2029.
“We had a lot of conversations with our members and understand what’s at stake and how critical it is that we defeat amendments that would be corrosive to the bill or undermine it in any way,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said.
Amendments from Republicans and Democrats are expected during a marathon voting session set to commence Thursday, known as vote-a-rama, an arduous part of the reconciliation process that allows either party to propose an unlimited number of amendments and can last more than a day.
Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) have expressed support for amendments that would thwart the fund.
