Pressure Mounts for Bipartisan Deal
Amidst negotiations, Schumer’s announcement intensifies the pressure on lawmakers to craft a comprehensive border security deal, which can be paired with the much-needed aid for Ukraine and Israel. Senate Republicans are advocating for border security policy changes as a prerequisite for any supplemental spending bill. This strategy is seen as a way to secure approval from a Ukraine-reluctant House GOP majority.
Schumer Identifies Key Obstacle
The Senate Majority Leader pointed to the demand for enhanced border security as the “biggest holdup” in delivering new funds to Ukraine’s defense against Russia and supporting Israel’s conflict with Hamas. Schumer emphasized the injection of a decades-old, hyper-partisan issue into overwhelmingly bipartisan priorities.
Call for Bipartisanship Amid Warning
In a Dear Colleague letter, Schumer urged Democrats to collaborate more with Republicans to reach a consensus, highlighting that the GOP’s insistence on a hard line could jeopardize the entire supplemental bill. He expressed the Democratic caucus’s readiness to work on common-sense solutions for immigration issues but cautioned against obstruction.
Bipartisan Gang Seeks Comprehensive Deal
A bipartisan group, including Senators Sinema, Lankford, Murphy, Tillis, Bennet, and Graham, has been working to marry President Biden’s request for over $100 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and border security. The negotiations, initially hindered by asylum-related issues, are now navigating the complexities of border security negotiations.
Schumer Imposes Deadline
Schumer’s push for a Senate vote in early December imposes a deadline on the talks, recognizing the urgency of providing aid to Ukraine and Israel. With Congress having twice passed spending bills without Ukraine aid, the Senate faces a critical deadline to ensure the funds are allocated before the new year.
All-Senators Briefing on Ukraine
To enhance understanding and awareness, Schumer announced an all-senators briefing on Ukraine in the coming days. He emphasized the broader implications, stating, “This is not just about Ukrainian or Transatlantic security; it’s about American security as well because an unchecked Putin would be an emboldened Putin.”
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