Republicans in the US Senate have blocked a legislative package that would help reduce the number of illegal border crossings into the country. The bill also provides aid for Ukraine and Israel.
The US Senate has rejected a bipartisan legislative package that would provide money for securing the US border with Mexico and aid for Ukraine and Israel. The package failed to pass due to a lack of support from Republicans.
The $118 billion package of measures did not reach the required majority of 60 votes in the Senate. President Joe Biden’s Democrats have a razor-thin majority of 51 votes to 49 in the 100-senator chamber.
The so-called National Security Supplementary Act includes, among other things, $60 billion to support Ukraine. Also planned are $14.1 billion in support for Israel and $20.2 billion for border security. The compromise negotiated by Democrats and Republicans also includes numerous changes to immigration policy.
Trump spoke out against the legislative package
The Republicans’ “no” to the latest draft of the legislative package had already become apparent. The bill will be “dead on arrival” if it reaches the House of Representatives, said House Republican leader Mike Johnson. Former US President Donald Trump had previously voiced opposition to the agreement.
For months, Republicans had insisted that additional aid for the two US allies be linked to measures to contain the large number of migrants coming into the US via the Mexican border. Illegal immigration is a central issue in the US election campaign.
Trump had asked his party colleagues not to compromise on this issue. He wants to prevent Biden from achieving success by passing a bipartisan agreement on the issue. Everything currently points to a new edition of the duel between Biden and Trump in the presidential election.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a quick second vote. The Senate is expected to vote on Wednesday on a $96 billion package that will scrap migration policy reforms but keep foreign aid in place. However, the release of funds to Israel and Ukraine remains questionable, even if the Senate gives the green light. Because the aid must also pass the House of Representatives, in which the Republicans have the majority. So far they have refused the help.