The Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass a $4.6 billion bill Wednesday that includes funding for emergency aid at the southern border. Earlier in the day, the Senate rejected a House version of the bill that included new health and safety standards for jailed migrants but split progressive lawmakers. The Senate bill provides additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Defense Department.
President Trump has threatened to veto the House bill, while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejected the Senate’s version and has said she would like to see better protections for detained migrants and migrant children, and a provision allowing lawmakers to visit detention facilities without notice. The pressure is now on for the House and Senate to reconcile the two bills, with lawmakers set to leave for the upcoming July 4 recess. The Department of Health and Human Services has warned it could run out of funding to operate detention facilities for migrant children by the end of the month.
In more immigration news, Democratic candidates Senators Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar visited a migrant children’s prison in Homestead, Florida, ahead of last night’s debate. Homestead—which is located less than an hour away from the debate venue—has been plagued by reports of mistreatment and unsafe conditions, with children being isolated and some taking to self-harm. Other 2020 candidates in Florida have also said they intend to visit.