WASHINGTON (AP) - The Republican-controlled Senate is proceeding with a measure to support immigration enforcement after the Trump administration agreed to abandon a proposed settlement fund for allies and after a separate White House security provision was removed from the package.

Watch the Senate floor live starting at 9:30 a.m. EDT.

The Senate approved a 53-46 vote on Wednesday to open debate on the approximately $70 billion measure funding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with the Border Patrol. The bill had been stalled for weeks while Republican senators addressed various hurdles raised by President Donald Trump and the White House, yet they are now accelerating passage after returning the legislation to its core version.

"Right now, the goal is to get the base bill across the finish line," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.

Even so, Republicans must secure sufficient support to defeat numerous amendments that Democrats and some Republicans intend to propose in order to permanently prohibit Trump's $1.776 billion settlement fund.

Following strong Republican objections, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed House members during a Tuesday hearing that "we are not moving forward with the fund, period." Yet shortly after the Senate advanced the bill on Wednesday, Trump defended the settlement when questioned by reporters at the White House.

When pressed on whether the fund is eliminated or merely paused, Trump replied: "I'd have to ask the lawyers, I don't know."

"I love it," Trump said of the settlement. "I think it's so important."

Republicans are employing budget reconciliation to pass the measure without Democratic support, though they must navigate an extended sequence of amendment votes that may challenge the bill. That sequence is slated to begin on Thursday.

Democratic amendments will test GOP unity

Republicans expressed relief after Blanche's assurances to eliminate the fund, which formed part of a settlement addressing Trump's lawsuit against the IRS concerning the disclosure of his tax returns. GOP senators had objected strongly and departed two weeks earlier following the Justice Department announcement of the payouts, which might extend to individuals involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and other Trump supporters.

Democrats insist the prohibition must be codified in statute.

"It is only a matter of time before Blanche and Trump go back on their word," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Wednesday morning.

Following Trump's remarks, Schumer stated on X that "this is EXACTLY why" Democrats would push votes to prohibit the fund.

Some Republicans also intend to formalize Blanche's commitment. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has indicated he will propose an amendment to prevent any revival of the fund.

"We've got a sufficient number of Republicans who have been very clear they've got concerns there," said Tillis.

Thune noted earlier on Wednesday that Blanche's statements were "extremely helpful" and that most GOP senators appeared content. He added he is coordinating with Tillis and others considering amendments to ensure a simple majority in the 53-47 Senate.

"Keep in mind, we've got to keep them all together, make sure we've got 50 votes for it," Thune said.

Money dropped for Trump's ballroom

The legislation faced further delay due to opposition against $1 billion in security funding for the White House, including support for Trump's new ballroom, which had been inserted into the original proposal.

Democrats and certain Republicans questioned the use of public funds for the large-scale project amid economic challenges for many citizens. Democrats had also prepared amendments to remove that language.

As side matters briefly disrupted progress, Republicans emphasized their priority of securing ICE and Border Patrol funding that Democrats had obstructed for months in response to the administration's immigration enforcement actions.

Success nonetheless demands Republican cohesion in both chambers before the measure reaches Trump.

Republican House leaders indicated Wednesday they aim to approve the bill by week's end, assuming the Senate completes its work. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., noted internal discussions are underway.

"We just need to make sure everybody's there," Scalise said.

It remained uncertain how Trump's statements on the settlement might influence Republican support for the immigration spending bill. Beyond defending the settlement, he also commended the Jan. 6 defendants who could receive payments, describing their treatment as "abuse."

Friction between White House, Senate threatens other priorities

Although Republican senators have largely backed Trump's agenda, a growing number have voiced frustration with the president for overlooking what they view as their political requirements.

The Justice Department revealed the settlement fund just as the Senate prepared to advance the immigration spending bill, providing Democrats an opening to propose amendments that could fracture Republican ranks in an election year. This occurred around the time Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and John Cornyn of Texas both lost reelection bids after Trump backed their primary challengers.

Trump also selected real estate figure Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence on Tuesday, drawing criticism from both parties over Pulte's lack of evident national security experience. The move has hindered bipartisan talks on updating the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, set to expire at the end of next week.

Meanwhile, more Republicans are opposing Trump's military actions in Iran. The House voted on Wednesday to stop U.S. involvement there, after a Senate vote in May to advance its own war powers measure.

Thune said he was unsure whether Republicans would remain united on the immigration bill.

"We'll find out," he told reporters.

Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.

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