Senate bipartisan opposition threatens Ukraine border agreement
Senate Leadership Mounts Offensive for Ukraine Border Legislation
The Senate leadership is launching a full-scale offensive to promote Ukraine border legislation that will be presented on the floor this week. However, the bill has already encountered bipartisan opposition since its release on Sunday night.
The loudest dissent comes from Republicans, particularly regarding the border provisions. Senate conservatives argue that the legislation gives the White House political cover without actually resolving the border crisis, leading Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) to declare it as “worse than bad negotiation” and a “betrayal.”
On the other hand, Latino members like Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) criticize the deal as an “enforcement wish list” for the Trump administration that fails to provide legal status to undocumented individuals in the United States.
The opposition extends beyond the border provisions. Conservatives were unlikely to support further Ukraine aid, even as Republican leadership demanded border changes to soften their resistance. Additionally, the Left has concerns about the billions allocated in the defense package for Israel, especially as the death toll rises in Gaza.
However, the border deal, which emerged after four months of painstaking negotiations, has proven to be the legislation’s biggest liability. Nearly two dozen senators have already expressed their opposition to the proposal ahead of a crucial test vote in the Senate on Wednesday.
While some of the opposition was expected, there are warning signs that leadership may struggle to gather the necessary 60 votes to advance the bill. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) became the first member of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) own leadership team to oppose the bill, followed by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), a senior adviser to McConnell, who voiced “serious concerns.”
Even staunch allies of Ukraine, like Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), the ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, are opposed to the legislation, criticizing the provision that allows the president to keep the border open until crossings reach 5,000 per day.
Democrats Face Challenges in Vote Count
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is likely to secure support from most of his caucus, given that the border deal has the White House’s approval. However, Democrats need to minimize defections from progressives, considering the uncertain vote count among Republicans.
McConnell had aimed to attract support from over half of his conference, or 25 out of the Senate’s 49 Republicans. However, this goal is now in doubt as members react to the deal. McConnell will have his first opportunity to pitch the border package to colleagues at a conference meeting on Monday evening.
Some Republicans may be willing to vote “yes” on the Wednesday test vote, even if they are not entirely convinced by the package. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who had advocated for stricter parole provisions, seems to fall into this category. He expressed hope for an open amendment process and warned that the bill would fail if the process is not allowed.
Republicans face political challenges with two party leaders, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and former President Donald Trump, firmly opposing the compromise. Senator James Lankford (R-OK), the chief Republican negotiator in border talks, expressed frustration with the opposition, highlighting how quickly conservatives turned against the bill despite calling for weeks to review its contents.
Here’s a breakdown of where senators currently stand on the $118 billion legislation:
What behind-the-scenes negotiations are taking place to make amendments to the bill and address lawmakers’ concerns?
Ership to publicly declare his opposition, stating that the bill does not do enough to secure the border and address the ongoing crisis.
In response, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has mounted a strong offensive to rally support for the legislation. He has been working tirelessly to secure the necessary votes and convince wavering senators to back the bill. Schumer has emphasized the importance of addressing the border crisis and providing much-needed aid to Ukraine, highlighting the national security implications of both issues.
The Senate leadership is also engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations to make amendments to the bill in order to garner more support. They are working with both Republicans and Democrats to find common ground and address the concerns raised by lawmakers.
The White House has also expressed its support for the legislation, with President Biden urging lawmakers to pass the bill swiftly. The administration sees the legislation as a crucial step in addressing the challenges at the Ukraine border and providing support to the Ukrainian government.
Despite the opposition, there is still optimism among Senate leaders that the bill will ultimately pass. They recognize the importance of addressing the border crisis and supporting Ukraine, and they are determined to overcome the challenges and secure the necessary votes.
The next few days will be critical in determining the fate of the legislation. Senate leaders will continue to push for support and work towards finding solutions to the concerns raised by lawmakers. It remains to be seen whether they will be successful in rallying enough support to advance the bill.
In conclusion, the Senate leadership has launched a full-scale offensive to promote Ukraine border legislation. Despite bipartisan opposition, they are determined to secure the necessary votes and pass the bill. The next few days will be crucial in determining the outcome, and Senate leaders are working tirelessly to address concerns and rally support.
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