- Bipartisan national security package facing pushback from House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, who called it “dead on arrival” due to concerns over border crisis handling.
- Senators are optimistic about the bill’s chances in the Senate but anticipate resistance in the House, with former President Trump urging Republicans to reject it.
- The bill will face a procedural vote in the Senate this week and will need the support of at least nine Republicans to progress. Democrats hope to put aside politics and address the national security threat at the southern border.
Additional Coverage:
A bipartisan bill aimed at bolstering border security and immigration enforcement while providing assistance to Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine is facing pushback from House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson. Senators James Lankford, Chris Murphy, and Kyrsten Sinema were the architects of the $118.28 billion national security supplemental package, which was released on Sunday. Johnson immediately rejected the bill, calling it “dead on arrival” and criticizing its handling of the border crisis. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has stated that the legislation will not receive a vote in the House.
Johnson, in a statement to reporters, argued that the bill fails to meet the necessary criteria to solve the border problem. The senators involved in negotiations are optimistic about the package’s chances in the Senate but anticipate resistance in the House. Murphy, the top Democratic negotiator, suggested that Johnson is trying to prevent the bill from reaching the House because it would face pressure to pass.
Former President Donald Trump has exerted pressure on Republicans to reject the deal, calling it a “death wish for the Republican Party” and claiming it would allow 5,000 migrants into the country every day. However, Lankford has refuted this claim. In response to Trump’s influence, Murphy accused his Republican colleagues of prioritizing politics over effective border control.
The bill will move forward in the Senate this week, starting with a procedural vote on Wednesday. To pass, the package will need the support of at least 60 senators. Murphy stated that approximately 25 Senate Republicans are considering whether or not to support the legislation. At least nine Republicans must back the bill for it to progress, though it is expected that more Democrats will defect.
Lankford, who has faced criticism from fellow Republicans, including Trump, emphasized that border security is a nonpartisan concern for most Americans. He urged his colleagues to thoroughly read and discuss the bill to reach an agreement.
Sinema expressed hope that Johnson could be persuaded to support the bill after thoroughly reviewing it and participating in Senate debates. She argued that change is needed to address the national security threat presented by the southern border.
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell endorsed the bill, highlighting threats at the southern border and international threats posed by Russia, Iran, and China. Schumer expressed his support for the package and emphasized the need for lawmakers to put aside politics and support the plan for border security.