The Senate is set to cancel part of its holiday recess as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced plans to return next week and focus on border security negotiations to pass a national supplemental aid package. This move comes as negotiations on border policy reforms in the bill continued over the weekend, with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas actively participating in the discussions. However, it remains unclear whether any deal has been reached between Democratic and Republican negotiators.
In addition to the border security supplemental, the Senate also has several other pressing matters that need attention. This includes the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the replenishment of government agencies through appropriations bills, and votes on 11 military promotions that have been held up by Sen. Tommy Tuberville. The clock is ticking as the current FAA authorization is set to expire on December 31. The House has already passed an extension of the FAA reauthorization package, putting the onus on the Senate to act swiftly.
However, Senate Democrats and Republicans are at odds over border talks, with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, attempting to get a vote on the FAA extension but being blocked by Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo. Bennet argued that it is crucial to fulfill obligations to national security and democracy, both domestically and internationally. Talks have been ongoing between senators and Biden administration officials this week, particularly after Republicans refused to pass additional aid to Ukraine without strict border security measures.
The total amount of supplemental aid requested by the White House is approximately $106 billion, with $14 billion earmarked for Israel. These negotiations and appropriations are taking place against the backdrop of ongoing migrant encounters topping 10,000 in a single day, prompting lawmakers to consider new border limits.
The Senate Appropriations Committee also faces the task of agreeing on a topline spending figure during the holiday break to meet the January 19 deadline and prevent a potential government shutdown. Previously, the Senate passed a continuing resolution to temporarily fund federal agencies until early next year. House Speaker Mike Johnson has suggested creating staggered deadlines for funding different parts of the government to avoid a massive “omnibus” package.
Overall, the Senate’s decision to cancel part of its holiday recess reflects the urgency to address border security negotiations and pass a national supplemental aid package. With key deadlines approaching and ongoing disagreements between Democrats and Republicans, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of these initiatives and whether a government shutdown can be averted.
