US Senate rejects $118 billion immigration, foreign aid package.
Senate Republicans dealt a significant blow to a major bipartisan border agreement and foreign aid package, blocking it in a pivotal vote on Wednesday amid heavy criticism from former President Donald Trump and prominent House Republicans.
The thwarted procedural vote represents a remarkable rejection by Senate Republicans of a deal that included stringent border measures, crafted in part by Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, one of the chamber's most conservative members. Despite Republicans' initial insistence on border security inclusion, they ultimately rejected the deal under pressure from Trump, who has made border issues a focal point of his presidential campaign.
The outcome now jeopardizes crucial aid for Ukraine and Israel, two vital US allies, at a critical juncture. Lawmakers face mounting pressure to pass foreign aid independently, without any border provisions, though the prospect remains uncertain as some Republicans oppose further assistance to Ukraine.
Following the vote, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a recess until the next day, allowing Republican colleagues time to reconsider. He emphasized the need for Republicans to reach consensus before the upcoming key vote.
Democrats have denounced Republicans for opposing the border deal, questioning their reliability as negotiating partners and accusing them of yielding to Trump's influence to keep border issues in the political spotlight.
While Trump and other Republicans criticized the border deal as inadequate, it would have represented a significant shift in immigration policy, granting the president extensive authority to curb illegal migration at the southern border. The Wall Street Journal editorial board labeled the deal "the most restrictive migrant legislation in decades."
The border agreement emerged from months of negotiations involving Senators Lankford, Kyrsten Sinema, and Chris Murphy.
In a show of unity during the vote, Sinema walked alongside Lankford and his wife, signaling bipartisan support for the package.
The $118 billion legislative package encompassed the border agreement along with foreign aid, aiming to provide assistance to key US allies abroad, including Ukraine and Israel, as well as humanitarian aid for regions like Gaza, the West Bank, and Ukraine.
Criticism of the bill also came from some Democrats. Senators Bob Menendez and Alex Padilla expressed strong opposition, citing concerns about its impact on immigrant communities and its failure to address key issues.
Schumer condemned Senate Republicans for opposing the package, accusing them of prioritizing Trump's political agenda over addressing border challenges. He underscored the urgency of addressing these issues and criticized Republicans for hindering progress.
