US senators unveiled the details of a long-awaited agreement poised to release billions in new aid for Ukraine and Israel, alongside stricter US border regulations.
However, the leading House Republican immediately declared intentions to reject it.
The proposed national security supplemental aims to allocate $118.3 billion in total funding, with $60 billion designated for Ukraine in line with the White House‘s request, and $14.1 billion for Israel’s security aid, as outlined by Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray.
Furthermore, the bill proposes $20.2 billion for enhancing US border security, incorporating numerous changes to immigration policies as a result of bipartisan negotiations.
A notable provision would authorize President Joe Biden to deny asylum applications in instances where illegal border crossings exceed 5,000 per week, a threshold that has been surpassed several times in recent months.
According to a White House official, President Biden would likely exercise this power immediately under the current levels of border crossings, rendering most individuals crossing the border ineligible for asylum.
The fate of the 370-page legislation remains uncertain in the Senate, where it requires 60 votes to proceed, with a procedural vote anticipated by Wednesday.
The bill faces a more definitive challenge in the House, led by Republicans, where Speaker Mike Johnson has pronounced it “dead on arrival” in its present state.
The agreement emerges from months of negotiations aimed at addressing illegal immigration, with Republicans demanding enhanced border security measures in exchange for supporting the proposed aid for Ukraine.
President Biden has expressed strong support for the agreement, highlighting its significance in aiding Ukraine against Russian aggression and in implementing substantial border reforms.
He has called on Republicans, who face pressure from former President Donald Trump to oppose the agreement, to support the bipartisan effort, emphasizing the necessity of securing the border.
