By Trendsetter Tribune 
The Senate voted 32-67 against a proposal by Sen. Rand Paul to remove $5.1 billion in refugee welfare from the federal funding bill, maintaining the funding amid partial government shutdown concerns.
The U.S. Senate on Friday rejected an amendment by Republican Sen. Rand Paul (KY) that sought to strip $5.1 billion in refugee welfare funding from a broader government spending package. The vote was 32 in favor and 67 against, falling short of the 50-vote threshold needed for passage.
The vote split Republicans, with 32 GOP senators supporting the measure and 20 opposing it. All Democrats voted against the amendment. Some Republican senators reportedly opposed the measure due to concerns that partisan amendments could jeopardize the larger bipartisan funding package.
Paul argued the amendment was necessary to protect taxpayers and address welfare fraud. “A freelance journalist discovered recently that billions of dollars have been stolen from welfare programs in Minnesota,” Paul said on the Senate floor, citing a viral video from YouTuber Nick Shirley. “Congress simply decided to give another $5 billion in refugee welfare. My amendment says ‘stop.’”
Senate leadership was divided: Majority Whip John Barrasso (WY) and Sen. Tom Cotton (AR) supported the amendment, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune (SD), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), and James Lankford (OK) opposed it.
President Donald Trump encouraged Senate approval of the overall funding package. “Republicans and Democrats in Congress have come together to get the vast majority of the Government funded until September,” he posted on Truth Social Thursday.
The government entered a partial shutdown at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, though the lapse is expected to be brief. The House of Representatives is expected to consider the full funding deal on Monday, ensuring continued operations for most federal programs.
Paul has also introduced broader legislation with GOP senators Bill Cassidy (LA) and Cynthia Lummis (WY) to end all taxpayer-funded benefits to refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented immigrants.