Passage of the $1.7 billion omnibus spending bill stalled on the Senate floor Wednesday night when lawmakers went head-to-head over Title 42.
Hoping to pass the bill Wednesday night, Senate Democrats agreed to hold votes on amendments to the spending package if Republican Senators would allow an earlier vote on the bill. The process stalled when Democrats refused to hold a vote on an amendment proposed by Senator Mike Lee, (R-UT). The amendment seeks to maintain the Title 42 policy that bars immigrants from crossing the U.S./Mexico border during a health crisis.
The delay has forced senators to postpone voting on the omnibus package until the end of the week: a move that can potentially result in a continuing resolution for short-term funding of the government until early next year. A number of senate Republicans would welcome a CR, as it would allow them more control over the content of a government funding package. The Republican-controlled house will start its work in early January.
Lee, who has been vocal in his opposition to phasing out Title 42 has expressed concern over the size and scope of the proposed omnibus package.
He is also urging his Republican colleagues to stay in Washington until his amendment is passed.
So far, senate Democrats have not agreed to pass Lee’s amendment.
