WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate narrowly defeated Republican-backed legislation on Thursday that would have curtailed assistance for thousands of Afghans evacuated last month as U.S. forces withdrew and the militant Islamist Taliban took over Afghanistan.

The measure failed on a 50-50 vote because it needed a simple majority to be included in a spending bill https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-shutdown-idUSKBN2GQ0XW that must pass to keep the government open after midnight.

The senators voted according to party lines. Republicans backed the measure, while Democrats opposed it. This demonstrates the deep division over how the country should handle the flood of Afghans seeking new homes following the U.S. withdrawal.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton proposed the bill, which would have ended aid in housing, food, and medical for resettled Afghans from March 31st, 2023. Additionally, it would have waived requirements to have government identification. This would have made eligibility for drivers’ licenses more difficult.

It called upon the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review Afghan asylum applicants faster.

Republican Senator Rob Portman spoke in support of the amendment and called it common sense to make sure proper vetting for all Americans.

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen opposed the amendment. Without it, Shaheen said Afghan refugees could be properly vetted. Other Democrats supported her argument against cutting benefits for people who are most in need.