Senate Republicans Block Bipartisan Immigration Deal and Aid Package for Ukraine and Israel
In a stunning turn of events, Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a bipartisan immigration agreement that also included the foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel, which are key allies of the United States. The vote, which was 49 to 50, resulted in the rejection of the proposed legislation.
Republicans initially demanded that border security be a part of the bill but then rejected the deal after pressure from former President Donald Trump, who has made the border a central campaign issue in his bid to return to the White House.
The failed procedural vote on the deal represents a significant rebuke by Senate Republicans of a proposal that was crafted, in part, by one of their own members, Senator Lankford of Oklahoma, known to be one of the most conservative senators in the Senate.
The outcome of the vote leaves aid to Ukraine and Israel at risk at a critical time. After the vote, lawmakers will face increasing pressure to approve foreign assistance on its own without any border conditions, an uncertain prospect as some Republicans oppose providing more aid to Ukraine.
Despite opposition from some Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to force a procedural vote on an emergency aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, and abandon the border deal. This move could potentially spark a confrontation with the House, as House Speaker Mike Johnson has opposed uniting them all.
Democrats have expressed outrage at Republicans for opposing the deal, arguing that they are bowing to pressure from Trump to keep the border in the political spotlight and cannot be trusted as negotiating partners.
The failed immigration deal and aid package, shaped by months of negotiations by a trio of senators, had been widely considered as a significant and impactful piece of legislation, with the Wall Street Journal editorial board describing it as “the most restrictive immigration legislation in decades.”
With reporting from CNN’s Kristin Wilson, it remains to be seen what the next steps will be for Congress in providing foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel and addressing the pressing issue of immigration.