Senate Republicans stall border policy bill, Ukraine aid now in doubt

Senate Republicans’ resistance to the new border policy bill might derail crucial aid for Ukraine

Senate Republicans are resisting a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing border policy. This resistance casts doubt on the passage of critical wartime aid for Ukraine. The bill, which includes a $118 billion package for border enforcement and foreign aid, has recently encountered opposition from GOP members.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has surprisingly advised GOP senators against the bill. His recommendation came despite his earlier support and the bill’s shift toward more stringent border measures. Former President Donald Trump has strongly criticized the bill, arguing it could harm Republicans in the upcoming presidential election.

“Republicans are likely to blame for the worst border in history,” Trump stated on “The Dan Bongino Show,” highlighting the political implications of the bill. Senate Republicans, some of whom previously supported aid for Ukraine and border policy changes, now express doubts about the bill’s advancement.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stressed the bill’s critical nature, saying, “The security of our nation and of the world hangs in the balance.” He urged Republicans to dismiss political distractions and support the legislation combining border security measures with Ukraine aid to attract GOP support.

Internal divisions have surfaced among Senate Republicans. During a tense meeting, Sen. Joni Ernst called for order amid heated debates. Sen. John Thune suggested that Wednesday’s scheduled vote might be too soon for many GOP members.

Despite urgent appeals from McConnell and Schumer for Ukraine aid, the bill’s future in Congress remains uncertain. The Defense Department has stopped military support to Kyiv due to funding delays. The White House also opposes a House bill that focuses only on military aid to Israel, arguing for a broader approach to national security needs.

Source: Newsroom