A Democratic-led effort to require the Trump administration to release a report on human rights practices in El Salvador failed in the Senate on Thursday, with a final tally of 45-50.
The resolution, introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and co-sponsored by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), was filed under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This law allows Congress to demand such information by a privileged resolution, which forces a vote regardless of opposition from the majority party.
Kaine argued that the resolution was not just about transparency, but accountability. Had it passed, it would have suspended foreign aid to El Salvador if the Trump administration failed to comply.
Speaking at a press conference before the vote, Kaine also directed remarks at the Salvadoran government, switching to Spanish mid-sentence.
“You may find your relationship with President Trump beneficial for now,” he said. “But he will only be in office for about three more years.”
He warned that while U.S.-El Salvador relations would continue long after Trump, the U.S. would not forget alleged human rights abuses involving American citizens.
On the Senate floor, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the Republican whip, blasted the resolution, accusing Democrats of defending individuals involved in criminal activity.
“Once again, Democrats are standing up for illegal immigrant criminals,” Barrasso said. “They’ll come to the floor and show their blind loyalty to those who put our communities at risk.”
He specifically referenced MS-13, asking, “How does allowing gang members to remain in our communities make America safer?”
Kaine’s office later released the full text of the resolution, along with a statement in which the Virginia senator criticized Trump’s deportation policies.
“If President Trump is cutting secret deals that send people to foreign prisons without due process, the American people—and the Senate—deserve to know the details, especially about the human rights records of the countries involved,” Kaine said.
He pointed to reports of wrongful deportations to El Salvador and raised concerns about discussions within the Trump administration about deporting even U.S. citizens to that country.
Van Hollen, who recently traveled to El Salvador in an effort to repatriate Kilmar Garcia—a suspected gang member deported despite a U.S. court order—said the Trump administration has failed to follow legal directives.
“We’re using this resolution to demand accountability,” added Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), a House supporter of the measure. Kaine emphasized that House approval wasn’t required to proceed.
In a recent Oval Office meeting, both President Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele reportedly dismissed efforts to return Garcia, calling them “preposterous” and disputing the interpretation of the court order.
