Democratic Chicago Ald. Brian Hopkins joins ‘America Reports’ to discuss the uncertain ‘political will’ in Chicago to continue its ‘sanctuary city’ status. Republican candidates running in border states are warning congressional GOP members negotiating a funding deal not to cede ground to Democrat demands for more Ukraine support so long as the migrant crisis continues. The ongoing negotiations have sparked a debate over whether concern for Ukraine amid its war with Russia might trump the worsening border crisis that Republicans argue is a threat to America’s national security.
Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake expressed her concerns, stating, “If our elected officials can’t focus solely on securing our border and stopping people from invading our country, then they should be voted out of office.” She emphasized that any member of Congress trying to link Ukraine funding to border security is betraying the trust of the American people.
Former Republican Texas Congresswoman Mayra Flores echoed Lake’s sentiment, stating that money should not be sent to Ukraine while the border crisis remains unresolved. Flores, the first Mexican-born woman elected to Congress, argued that the influx of illegal immigrants poses a serious threat to national security.
New Mexico Senate candidate Ben Luna called on congressional Republicans to address the decline facing America due to border issues, emphasizing the need to prioritize domestic concerns before assisting other countries.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz, one of the leading voices on border security, introduced the Senate version of the Secure the Border Act, which serves as the GOP’s baseline position in the funding negotiations. Cruz argued that securing the border should be a priority for all Americans.
Texas state Senator Roland Gutierrez, a Democrat challenging Cruz, offered a different perspective, highlighting the global implications of the war in Ukraine and suggesting that gun law reforms could help address cartel violence at the border.
Despite attempts to gather input from Democrat candidates in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, none provided a response regarding their desired components of the funding deal.
Lead Senate negotiators from both parties have returned to Capitol Hill to strike a deal on a border security bill after failing to reach an agreement last month. The negotiations involve key lawmakers and Biden administration officials, with Republicans emphasizing the need for increased aid to Ukraine to be tied to stricter border security measures.
As the debate intensifies, 60 House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, visited Eagle Pass, Texas, to observe the situation at the southern border. They have vowed not to support any deal in the GOP-controlled House unless it includes elements of H.R. 2, a comprehensive border security bill.
The demand for linking increased aid to Ukraine with stricter border security measures arose after President Biden urged its passage in October. This condition also encompasses aid to Israel and Taiwan alongside Ukraine.
The ongoing negotiations and the differing viewpoints highlight the complex challenges facing policymakers as they navigate the border crisis and international obligations. The potential impact on national security and democracy is at the forefront of the discussion.
