DailyKenn.com — Senate Republicans faced criticism from conservatives as they resisted advancing a bipartisan proposal aimed at addressing illegal border crossings. The move signals a probable defeat in Congress, leaving leaders without a clear path to approve crucial aid for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell recommended to GOP senators in a closed-door meeting to vote against the first procedural vote on Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the meeting. This reversal came after McConnell had earlier urged action on the issue.
Despite efforts to win over skeptics with a carefully negotiated $118 billion package covering border enforcement policy and aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies, conservatives, including former President Donald Trump, vehemently opposed the bill.
Trump criticized the border policy proposal as inadequate, accusing Republicans of handing Democrats an advantage. Many Senate Republicans expressed doubts about supporting the package, even those who backed Ukraine aid and the proposed border policy changes.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging colleagues to focus on the security of the nation and the world. Schumer worked with McConnell on the border security package in a bid to garner support for Ukraine aid.
However, deep divisions within the Republican Party surfaced during discussions, with GOP senators expressing reluctance to advance the package during the planned Wednesday vote.
The proposed legislation faces significant challenges, with doubts emerging about its passage. Both McConnell and Schumer stressed the importance of funding for Ukraine, but with the bill's fate uncertain, the Defense Department has suspended shipments of ammunition and missiles to Kyiv.
While House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the proposal as "dead on arrival," President Biden urged attention to the Senate's deliberations. Biden highlighted the urgent need for border security funding, emphasizing the lack of support from Congress.
The White House criticized a House bill that focused solely on military aid to Israel, urging comprehensive funding that includes support for Ukraine and border security.
Johnson and other top House GOP leaders voiced opposition to the legislation, citing concerns about its approach to border security and immigration policies.
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