Senate rejects Democratic measure to force more transparency on deportations to El Salvador - AP News
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 7:14 pm
Senate Blocks Democratic Push for Deportation Transparency to El Salvador
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans have successfully blocked a Democratic effort to increase transparency surrounding deportations to El Salvador. The vote, which took place on Thursday, saw Republicans vote down a resolution that would have compelled the Trump administration to provide more information to Congress about its deportation practices. The motion failed 45-50.
The resolution, spearheaded by Senator Tim Kaine, aimed to address concerns about wrongful deportations, including the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported. Democrats sought to force the administration to report on its compliance with court rulings related to deportations and to reveal details about financial aid provided to El Salvador, including an assessment of the country's human rights record.
This is the latest in a series of attempts by Democrats to challenge the Trump administration's policies using legislative tools available to them in the minority. The Democrats are using "privileged resolutions" that force a vote regardless of the majority leadership's wishes.
The resolution was brought under the Foreign Assistance Act, which allows any senator to force a vote requesting information on a country's human rights practices.
In a related move, Democrats also filed a joint resolution to block a $1.9 billion arms sale to Qatar, coinciding with Qatar's offer to donate a $400 million luxury jet to President Trump. Senator Chris Murphy, leading the effort, stated he would move to block the arms sale unless Qatar rescinds its offer or Trump declines the gift.
BNN's Perspective: While transparency in government actions is crucial, this situation highlights the ongoing political divide. Democrats are using their limited power to scrutinize the administration's policies, while Republicans are defending the administration's actions. The focus on El Salvador and the arms sale to Qatar underscores the complexities of foreign policy and the challenges of bipartisan cooperation in the current political climate.
Keywords: Senate, El Salvador, deportations, transparency, Trump administration, Tim Kaine, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Republicans, Democrats, Foreign Assistance Act, Qatar, arms sale, Chris Murphy, privileged resolutions, human rights, foreign policy.