The measure easily cleared the 60-vote filibuster but marked the first of likely several procedural hurdles before Republicans can declare victory.

The GOP-led Laken Riley Act defeated the legislative filibuster on Thursday, effectively ensuring it will pass and become law.

The Laken Riley Act was passed on a 264-159 vote, with 48 House Democrats joining the Republican majority. The bill will now move to the Republican-controlled Senate, which will take the measure up on Friday.

A significant number of Senate Democrats voted with Republicans on Thursday to advance a GOP-led bill to require the detention of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes – a key step that puts the legislation on the verge of passage.

Trump's meeting at the U.S. Capitol building with Senate Republicans comes ahead of weekend meetings with the House GOP.

President-elect Donald Trump likes the idea of “one, big beautiful bill" for his top legislative priorities, but he emerged from a lengthy closed-door meeting with Republican senators late Wednesday open to other strategies as GOP leaders strain to develop a plan before the party gains full power in Washington.