The Senate is expected to leave for the holidays without passing the Biden administration’s $106 billion national supplemental security package, according to sources familiar with the talks. The package, which was requested by President Biden from Congress in October, includes allocations of approximately $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, and $14 billion for faster asylum processing at the border and increased border agents.
The administration has urged Congress to pass the supplemental package by the end of the year. However, Senate Republicans have been attempting to reach a deal that would include stricter border security policies, such as higher asylum standards and immediate screenings for migrants, within the package. Democrats, on the other hand, disagree and argue that the bill should not include policy changes.
GOP lawmakers in the Senate also want aid for Ukraine and Israel to be split up, which signals a shift in support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia since the invasion in February 2022. Republicans have stated that aid for Ukraine is contingent upon implementing tougher border policies.
Sources close to the talks have expressed skepticism about reaching a deal on border security this week. One source stated that if a deal is reached, it will be very small. Another source reported that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office does not believe a deal will be reached this week either.
Last week, Republicans blocked the supplemental bill on the Senate floor. Senator James Lankford, one of the lead negotiators on the border talks, stated that they would not move forward on the supplemental until border security issues are resolved. Lankford emphasized the need to address the border crisis and halt the flow of illegal immigration.
The Senate votes on the bill fell short of the 60-vote threshold required for passage. This failure occurred shortly after President Biden expressed his disappointment that Congress has not yet approved military and economic assistance for Ukraine. Biden accused Republicans of prioritizing political issues over bipartisan compromise and risking national security.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Mike Johnson have previously indicated that the GOP would support additional Ukraine funding if a deal is reached on tighter immigration laws.
On Tuesday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make a final plea during a Senate meeting to pass additional funding. However, with the Senate’s last full day expected to be Thursday and no return until January 9, time is running out.
It remains uncertain whether the Senate will pass the national supplemental security package before leaving for the holidays. The failure to pass the bill raises concerns about the allocation of funds for Ukraine’s defense and the implementation of stricter border security policies.
This article was written by Jamie Joseph, a writer covering politics and leading Digital’s coverage of the Senate. Stay updated with the latest news from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more politics content by subscribing to our newsletter.
