IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Senate Border Bill Advances

The Senate on Wednesday advanced a $2.7 billion emergency spending bill aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis at the border.
Image: Chuck Schumer
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the Senate Democratic Policy Committee chairman, is surrounded by reporters as he emerges from a caucus luncheon at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 29, 2014. As lawmakers race to adjourn this week, the Senate is facing a myriad of problems, including: keeping federal highway money flowing to states with an infusion of billions of dollars; the immigration crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border where tens of thousands of Central American kids are flowing in; funding for Israel's iron dome air defense system; and the growing tension with Russia over the crisis in Ukraine. J. Scott Applewhite / AP

The Senate on Wednesday advanced a $2.7 billion emergency spending bill aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis from unaccompanied children crossing the southern border -- just a day before Congress is expected to leave town for a month-long August recess.

Eleven Republicans joined with Democrats in advancing the bill with a 63-33 vote. Democratic Sens. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Kay Hagan of North Carolina, both facing tough re-election fights, voted against the measure.

Republican opposition and the impending August recess will likely thwart any chance for final passage of the bill.

The Obama administration had initially asked for $3.8 billion for the border crisis, but the Senate cut that number by just over a billion dollars. The House has gone even further, proposing a slimmed down version that would devote $659 million to the crisis.

IN-DEPTH

-- Kasie Hunt and Andrew Rafferty