Democratic senators plan to force votes this week on President Donald Trump's $1.776 billion settlement fund to compensate political allies, testing Republican unity as some GOP lawmakers express criticism of the program.

The votes will occur as part of a broader $72 billion immigration enforcement bill to restore funding to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. Republicans are using a complicated budget process that requires multiple amendment votes, giving Democrats opportunities to challenge the settlement fund.

Several Republican senators have questioned the fund, which was announced as part of a settlement resolving Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he was "not a big fan" of the fund, while Sen. Bill Cassidy called it a "slush fund." Sen. Thom Tillis expressed concern that January 6 rioters who were later pardoned by Trump could receive compensation, calling that possibility "absurd."

Democrats are considering amendments to either block the fund entirely or ban payments to Trump supporters who assaulted law enforcement officers during the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, questioned by senators this week, described the fund as "unusual" but not unprecedented and would not rule out payments to January 6 participants who assaulted police.

Tensions have escalated after Trump called for firing Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, who ruled that parts of a $1 billion White House security proposal cannot remain in the immigration bill. The security funding includes approximately $220 million for improvements related to a new White House ballroom. Thune called Trump's attacks on the parliamentarian "concerning" if they could make her a political target.

The disputes highlight growing friction between Trump and some Senate Republicans, particularly after his endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in an upcoming primary runoff. Republican leaders acknowledge ongoing challenges in securing support for both the settlement fund and security provisions as they work to advance the immigration legislation.