Schumer Hopeful for Border, Ukraine Funding Agreement Post Biden Meeting
TL/DR –
Top congressional leaders met with President Joe Biden to discuss a national security supplemental aid package, with focus on support for Ukraine and border policy. While Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed optimism about reaching an agreement due to bipartisan agreement on the need to support Ukraine, House Speaker Mike Johnson insisted that the border must be the top priority. The White House emphasized the strategic consequences of inaction in Ukraine, the crisis at the border, and the need for additional resources at the border.
Congressional Leaders Discuss Aid Package in Meeting with President Biden
Top congressional leaders including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Mike Johnson have left a meeting with President Joe Biden optimistic about reaching a deal on a national security supplemental aid package. Both described the meeting as “productive.”
Following the hour-long meeting, Schumer voiced optimism regarding the agreement, especially on the bipartisan agreement about providing support for Ukraine. He emphasized the global consequences of failing to aid Ukraine.
Nonetheless, Schumer acknowledged calls for addressing border issues before committing to additional aid for Ukraine. However, he insisted on moving forward with both issues in the Senate. He affirmed Biden’s readiness to address the border situation.
Johnson also found the meeting productive but insisted that the border situation must be prioritized. He communicated to Biden the need for meaningful changes at the border.
Johnson later told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins that he refused to commit to putting a Senate-passed immigration deal on the House floor. He expressed hope for a meaningful proposal similar to the partisan House-passed border bill known as HR 2.
The White House said Biden underscored “the strategic consequences of inaction” in Ukraine and the need for additional support. He warned about the danger of Congress’s continued failure to act to the national security and NATO Alliance.
Biden also addressed the crisis at the border, insisting on the need for immediate action and bipartisan agreement on border policy. He called for additional resources at the border.
The meeting also included a classified portion about Ukraine. National security adviser Jake Sullivan and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines provided lawmakers with specific examples of the potential ramifications of not providing additional US funding to Ukraine.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized Biden for not recognizing the border situation as a crisis but praised the progress made by the bipartisan Senate border security negotiators.
On the supplemental, Schumer acknowledged that reaching an agreement is complex but emphasized the necessity of action on Ukraine, stating that “the eyes of history are upon this chamber.”
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