Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) sided with Democrats on several affordability-related amendments during an overnight Senate vote-a-rama, while ultimately supporting a GOP-led budget resolution to fund immigration enforcement agencies. The late-night session, which began Wednesday evening and concluded Thursday morning, saw Republicans and Democrats clash over amendments addressing healthcare costs, food assistance, and energy prices.
Core Facts & Immediate Action
The Senate approved a budget resolution that allocates approximately $70 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The measure, passed along mostly party lines, will now advance to the House. However, Sens. Collins and Sullivan joined Democrats on multiple amendments aimed at lowering costs for groceries, healthcare, and prescription drugs, as well as expanding school meal programs and food stamps. Collins supported 12 of 16 Democratic amendments, while Sullivan backed six. The amendments failed to pass.
Deeper Dive & Context
Policy Implications
The budget resolution is part of a two-step GOP plan to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown. Republicans used the reconciliation process to bypass a Democratic filibuster, a move criticized by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (NY). Schumer argued that Republicans were circumventing the regular appropriations process and accused them of avoiding accountability on immigration enforcement policies.
Political Dynamics
Collins and Sullivan, both facing competitive reelection races, have a history of voting with Democrats on affordability issues before ultimately supporting final Republican legislation. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) were the only Republicans to oppose the budget resolution. Other GOP senators, including Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), split from their party on individual amendments.
Opposing Perspectives
Democrats framed the vote-a-rama as an opportunity to highlight their focus on affordability, while Republicans emphasized the need to fund immigration enforcement agencies. Schumer accused Republicans of prioritizing border security over domestic affordability, while GOP leaders argued that the budget resolution was necessary to address the ongoing DHS shutdown.
Long-Term Implications
The budget resolution sets the stage for a future reconciliation package, which Republicans plan to introduce next month. Democrats have indicated they will continue to push for immigration enforcement reforms, including requirements for judicial warrants before entering private homes and bans on officers wearing masks.