Senate Republicans Advance $340 Billion Budget Bill for Border Security

Senate Republicans are advancing a $340 billion budget bill that targets President Trump's immigration, energy, and defense priorities, despite internal divisions and Trump's preference for a larger $4.5 trillion tax cut plan favored by House Republicans. Trump has publicly urged Senate lawmakers to consolidate their efforts into a single comprehensive bill, which has complicated negotiations, as Senate leaders like John Thune are pushing for a two-package approach. Democrats are voicing concerns that the proposed budget cuts disproportionately affect social services and mainly benefit the wealthy. As discussions continue, some Republicans worry that prioritizing immigration measures could jeopardize the passage of Trump's tax cuts in the House, where they hold a slim majority. The situation reflects deepening rifts within the GOP, as they try to navigate competing legislative strategies while facing Democratic opposition. Lawmakers are under pressure to reach a consensus before the upcoming government funding deadline.