Story perspectives

Leaders Push $1.8B Fund Cut to Pass $72B Immigration Bill

6/2/2026

Summary

Thune Pushes Cut

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) urged dropping the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund to allow the $72 billion immigration reconciliation bill to pass.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) met U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday and helped convince him to drop the fund.
The $70-plus billion reconciliation bill stalled before the Memorial Day recess because no plan existed for the fund.

Summary

Schumer Bans Fund

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on June 2, 2026 he will offer an amendment to ban the $1.8 billion slush fund.
Senator Adam Schiff, Senator Mark Kelly and Senator Elissa Slotkin introduced legislation to block the $1.8 billion fund while Justice Department pledged $8 billion to protect President Donald Trump from IRS audits.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned that blocking the fund could jeopardize Trump’s signature on package, with expectation tomorrow.

History

Historical Context

The 1995-96 budget clash between President Bill Clinton and Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich produced a 21-day shutdown that cost the economy billions and made earmarked spending a bargaining chip. That precedent informs today’s negotiations, where Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson urge Donald Trump to drop a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization provision to clear a $72 billion immigration reconciliation bill.

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Thune Pushes Cut

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) urged dropping the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund to allow the $72 billion immigration reconciliation bill to pass.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) met U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday and helped convince him to drop the fund.
The $70-plus billion reconciliation bill stalled before the Memorial Day recess because no plan existed for the fund.

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