Senate Republicans successfully blocked a Democratic effort to prevent President Trump from creating a fund potentially benefiting his political allies. This move marked the start of an extensive voting session on the Republicans’ immigration enforcement bill, lasting well into Friday morning.

The Republicans aimed to advance their $70 billion immigration enforcement bill, which they deemed crucial with looming elections and their legislative control on the line. This initiative faced potential complications due to internal party disagreements over Trump’s funding requests.

Tensions arose as some Republicans opposed Trump’s proposal for a $1 billion allocation to a ballroom project and an additional $1.8 billion fund for alleged government victims.

“This would have been done several hours ago if we weren’t having to deal with some of the issues around the fund,” stated Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the majority leader, late at night.

Despite some internal disagreements, Republicans largely united to oppose Democratic measures attempting to limit Trump’s authority across various matters.

The session included a key vote on an amendment proposed by Senator Chuck Schumer. Schumer, a Democrat from New York and the minority leader, sought to return the bill to committee, adding a clause to prevent the fund’s establishment. This motion narrowly failed in the Senate, at 50 to 49 votes. Notably, three Republicans up for re-election—Senators Susan Collins from Maine, Jon Husted from Ohio, and Dan Sullivan from Alaska—sided with Democrats.