Backlash from G.O.P. to Border Deal Indicates Diminishing Possibility of a Compromise
TL/DR –
A $118.3 billion bipartisan agreement to provide aid to Ukraine and address migration into the US was rejected by many Republicans in Congress who had previously demanded that such aid be tied to immigration crackdowns. The rejection highlights political divisions, particularly in an election year, on the issue of immigration. The bill’s future seems bleak as it needs at least ten republican votes to advance but has faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats for being too weak on immigration and for failing to provide relief for undocumented migrants known as ‘Dreamers’.
Republicans Reject $118.3 Billion Aid to Ukraine Paired with Immigration Crackdown
The long-awaited $118.3 billion agreement providing bipartisan aid to Ukraine coupled with a migration crackdown, which Republicans had demanded for months, was rejected by many of them on Monday. The rejection indicates that any accord on immigration, expected to be a critical issue in the presidential campaign, has vanished.
With ex-President Trump set to criticize President Biden’s border actions and the right-wing Republicans lining up behind him, a compromise was always a gamble. The release of the bill’s text on Sunday only intensified Republican disagreements on the issue that once united them. Despite Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky advocating for the bill, various Republican leaders criticized it.
Even moderate Republican voices such as Senator John Cornyn of Texas expressed “serious concerns” about the bill. Cornyn’s concerns highlight a grim outlook for the compromise bill as immigration agreements on Capitol Hill frequently collapse at the last moment due to Republican condemnation.
Resistance from Democrats and Lack of Republican Support
The Republican withdrawal also threatens to decrease left-wing support, where some Democrats are reluctant to back a bill condemned by pro-immigration groups as a betrayal of American values. For Democrats advocating for legal status for large groups of undocumented individuals, including Dreamers, voting for a bill without these provisions is a bitter pill.
Among Republicans, there is even less eagerness for finding middle ground. Trump has made the border a central plank of his campaign and persuaded Republicans to oppose anything less than his hard-line policies.
Outlook for Bill Passage
By Monday, at least 15 Senate Republicans and three Senate Democrats had made clear they would oppose the bill. The Republicans’ response to the bill underscores the divide within their party. McConnell privately recommended a “no” vote, seeking to force Democrats to allow further debate and potential changes.
However, Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, lead Republican negotiator on the border deal, expressed his frustration with his party as they hurriedly denounced the bill on social media.
Reactions from Progressive Senators
Progressive senators also criticized the deal. Senator Alex Padilla of California condemned the bill for not providing relief for Dreamers and making it harder for migrants to gain asylum. He regretted that no member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus was included in the negotiations.
Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, the second-ranking Democrat, indicated he was supporting the bill reluctantly, largely because it tied to the future of Europe. He expressed regret that the measure would not provide relief for Dreamers.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus stated that funding for Ukraine was not sufficient justification to support a bill that wasn’t aligned with its values.
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