The vote failed in a party line 10-11 split after McConnell and Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Al, were absent. Both senators tried to vote by proxy, but the votes did not count toward the final tally.
The blueprint passed in a slim 216-to-214 split with just two Republicans voting against the bill despite concern about the high price tag for defense spending. The plan would provide up to $73 billion in additional military funding for the conflict with Iran.
Republicans are trying to assemble a third party-line package ahead of an August recess, the push would give the GOP one final opportunity to cement major pieces of President Trump’s legislative agenda before the midterms. #Congress #GOP #Politics
Several Republicans had balked at including the money in an immigration enforcement measure that the party plans to push through on a party-line vote.
Both parties appear to be factoring in the razor-thin majority that Republicans hold in the chamber as they weigh whether to oust members.
Dems who opposed the bill said it wasn’t necessary because noncitizens convicted of fraud are already eligible for deportation. "Another week, another redundant and completely unnecessary immigration crime bill," said Rep. Jamie Raskin.