Senate prepares for test vote on aid to Israel and Ukraine amidst border security dispute
Senate poised to vote on aid to Ukraine and Israel, with Republicans potentially blocking due to border security dispute
The Senate is set to vote on Wednesday to push forward aid to Ukraine and Israel, but Republicans are likely to block the move due to a disagreement over border security. Republicans are adamant that foreign aid be linked to significant border security policy changes, and despite bipartisan discussions, the two sides are still far from reaching a consensus. It remains uncertain whether an agreement can be reached on this divisive issue, which could potentially prevent the aid package from being passed.
Israel's battle against Hamas and Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression have resulted in a deadlock. The White House has warned of the urgent need for funding for Ukraine, stating that the lack of an agreement to approve further aid could pose significant national security risks. Some Republicans anticipate that the procedural vote on Wednesday will not pass, and believe that rejecting it would underscore the seriousness of their border policy demands.
Mitch McConnell, the Minority Leader of the Senate and a Republican from Kentucky, has stated his desire for the Senate to pass a comprehensive package addressing Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. However, he has advised his colleagues to vote "no" on the procedural motion in order to convey a message to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. During a news conference on Tuesday, McConnell emphasized the importance of making significant changes to the border and urged all members to vote against the procedural motion.
"Now is the time to prioritize our own border security along with addressing other important international concerns," he stated.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that border security is a crucial component of any national security plan. "The security of our own border must be the starting point for any national security package," he stated during a Tuesday news conference.
"We need to make meaningful policy changes at the border, which is a crucial prerequisite for any future actions," he stated.
Schumer has criticized Republicans for using "hostage taking" tactics while the path forward for providing aid to Ukraine and Israel remains uncertain.
"The Senate supplemental package is still on hold because the Republicans are adamant that they require an immigration proposal to be approved," declared the New York Democrat during a speech on the Senate floor on Tuesday. "Though immigration is crucial, it is distinct from foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel, as well as humanitarian aid to Gaza and the Indo-Pacific."
Schumer cautioned that "if Congress does not provide more aid, Ukraine may collapse, and democracy in Europe will be in jeopardy. Ignoring the clear and unambiguous lessons of history, those who believe that Vladimir Putin will stop at just Ukraine are doing so intentionally."
Legislative text for a $110 billion security assistance package has been revealed by Senate Democrats, which consists of funding for Israel and Ukraine, as well as humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza, among other key priorities. Although the bill contains border security provisions, a bipartisan agreement on the matter has not yet been reached. The GOP-controlled House passed a bill in November to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel. However, Democrats were opposed to the bill due to its enactment of funding cuts to the Internal Revenue Service and the absence of aid to Ukraine.
CNNs Haley Talbot and Betsy Klein contributed to this report.
