In an exclusive interview with FOX News correspondent Benjamin Hall, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his stance on a peace deal with Russia, stating that now is not the time for such an agreement. Meanwhile, Republicans in the House and Senate are coming together to pressure President Biden into addressing the ongoing crisis at the U.S. southern border.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have both emphasized the need for border security measures to be included in Biden’s $106 billion supplemental aid request. Johnson referred to border security as a “hill to die on” in the ongoing fight, highlighting its significance in considering an aid package. McConnell echoed this sentiment, stating that he would urge Senate Republicans to vote against advancing Biden’s request unless border security measures were included.
The push for border security measures comes after bipartisan compromise talks fell through over the weekend. Despite this setback, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has scheduled a vote on Biden’s aid request for later in the week. However, McConnell criticized Schumer’s approach, highlighting the importance of addressing border security alongside other international concerns.
President Biden’s supplemental aid request includes funding for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, humanitarian aid, and the U.S. border. While the House has already passed a standalone bill for Israel aid, the funding is offset by money allocated toward the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which is a nonstarter for the Democrat-held Senate.
House Republican leaders have indicated that they will only bring Ukraine aid, which Biden requested roughly $61 billion for, to the floor if it is paired with border security measures. Schumer, on the other hand, suggested allowing a vote on a border security amendment proposed by Senate Republicans in addition to the supplemental aid.
Despite the differing approaches, both parties recognize the importance of addressing border security. However, the debate lies in the strategy and inclusion of these measures within the supplemental aid request. Republicans argue that combining border security with the aid package will ensure a guaranteed outcome, given the widespread support for other parts of the supplemental.
As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the negotiations will unfold and whether a compromise can be reached. The focus on border security reflects the growing concerns surrounding the crisis at the U.S. southern border, emphasizing the complex challenges faced by the Biden administration.
Elizabeth Elkind, a reporter for Digital, has been closely following Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. Her previous digital bylines have been seen at Daily Mail and CBS News. For the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected]. Stay subscribed for future newsletters for all the latest political news.
