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
- House Hopeful of Passing Modest Border Bill
- Obama Calls for Central American Leaders to Help Combat Border Crisis
- What U.S., Central America Have to Tackle to Stem Border Crisis
-- Kasie Hunt and Andrew Rafferty
