Republicans Express Concerns over Border Security and Biden Administration’s Actions
Republican lawmakers have voiced their opposition to proposed legislation aimed at addressing the ongoing border crisis, stating that it falls short of meeting the standards necessary to secure the border and hold the Biden administration accountable for its actions. Senator John Barasso, who is up for reelection in November, stated, “The proposed legislation does not meet most Americans’ standard of securing our border now. It doesn’t force the Biden administration to end its abuse of current law.” Barasso further added, “Joe Biden will never enforce any new law and refuses to use the tools he already has today to end this crisis. I cannot vote for this bill. Americans will turn to the upcoming election to end the border crisis.”
$118 Billion Supplemental Spending Deal Package Released by Senate Negotiators
Sunday saw the release of a $118 billion supplemental spending deal package by Senate negotiators. The package includes funding for Ukraine, Israel, and approximately $20 billion for border and immigration-related matters. Among the provisions are a new border authority that allows for certain actions when migration levels exceed 5,000 a day, narrowed asylum eligibility, expedited asylum processes, additional work permits for asylum seekers, and a significant increase in staffing at the border, immigration courts, and asylum offices. The foreign aid portion of the agreement includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $14.1 billion for Israel, and aid for Indo-Pacific allies.
Conservative Backlash and Opposition from House Speaker and Majority Leader
The proposed deal has faced significant backlash from conservatives, particularly in the House of Representatives. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., declared the bill “dead on arrival,” while House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., promised that the bill will not receive a vote in the lower chamber. Senate negotiators, including Senators James Lankford, R-Okla., and Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., had worked tirelessly for months to put together a comprehensive agreement that addresses both border security and foreign aid. Republicans had insisted that any additional funding for Ukraine be linked to legislation aimed at addressing the illegal immigrant crisis at the southern border.
Divided Opinions on the Proposed Deal
Supporters of the bipartisan deal argue that it would enact stricter and faster enforcement measures to handle the overwhelming number of asylum-seekers. The legislation includes provisions that trigger an automatic expulsion authority when the number of illegal border crossings reaches above 5,000 daily for a five-day average, thus sending migrants back to Mexico without the opportunity to make an asylum claim. Critics from the Republican party, however, view the 5,000 daily threshold as an invitation for increased illegal immigration. They also argue that President Biden already has the authority to secure the border without additional action from Congress. Democrats have also criticized the bill for not including a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
Republican Senators Express Opposition to the Proposed Deal
Senator Barasso is not the only member of GOP leadership in the Senate to publicly oppose the deal. National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines, R-Mont., declared himself a “no” vote, stating, “I can’t support a bill that doesn’t secure the border, provides taxpayer-funded lawyers to illegal immigrants, and gives billions to radical open borders groups. I’m a no.” Other senators, including Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Mike Lee, R-Utah, have also stated that they will not support the package. Senator Scott expressed his strong opposition, saying, “I’m a Hades no. I’m thankful that we are finally having a conversation about the border, but it’s the wrong one. It should be in a silo. We should be fixing and securing our southern border, and the president of the United States can do that right now.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has indicated that a vote on the package could take place as early as Wednesday.