Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Department of Justice is nixing the president’s “anti-weaponization” fund.
When asked about the $1.8 billion fund by Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., Tuesday afternoon, Blanche said, “We are not moving forward with the fund.” Clarifying, Meng asked: “Ever?” Blanche replied: “Correct.”
The news could now unlock relatively quick action on Senate Republicans’ party-line immigration enforcement bill, possibly this week.
Majority Leader John Thune spoke to Blanche earlier today, and said he “previewed what he was going to say. And I think his statements are going to be very definitive, very clear, and create the certainty [needed] for us to proceed.” Thune said it was “correct” to assume the fund is now dead.
The majority leader needs 50 senators to vote to proceed to the $70 billion immigration funding bill — and then stick together to fend off Democratic amendments.