Staff Reports
In a dramatic twist, several Republican senators are blowing the whistle on unproductive border negotiations with Senate Democrats that stand in the way of $111 billion in foreign spending. The GOP gang is now calling on President Joe Biden to step up and take charge. After failing to advance emergency funding for Ukraine and Israel due to border talk standstills, top GOP leaders are making it loud and clear that border issues need to be part of any supplemental legislation to earn their support.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, flanked by Sens. John Cornyn, Chuck Grassley, Thom Tillis, Tom Cotton, and John Thune, didn’t hold back at a recent press conference. Graham straight-up challenged President Biden to “wake up and do something about a broken border,” emphasizing that securing the nation should be the commander in chief’s top priority.
Karine Jean-Pierre says it's "stunning" that Republicans are demanding a secure border: "History will remember them harshly!" pic.twitter.com/U53xqtnjKn
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 7, 2023
The key negotiator for Senate Democrats, Sen. Chris Murphy, is feeling the heat, as Graham expressed skepticism about any progress. He threw some shade at Sen. Schumer, claiming negotiations are futile under his leadership. Graham bluntly stated, “It’s hard to fix a problem if you don’t understand what it’s all about.”
Negotiations have all but collapsed as Republicans demand drastic measures to reduce migration, while Democrats insist that Republicans are aiming to make radical changes to legal immigration. The battle is on, folks!
Senator Murphy chimed in, asserting that Republicans need to understand they can’t slam the door shut on migration entirely. He emphasized the need for legal pathways into the United States, highlighting the importance of allowing those fleeing terror and torture to seek refuge in the country.
With the FBI Director Christopher Wray warning of a substantial terrorist threat post-Hamas attack on Israel, Senate Republicans are on edge about potential terrorist infiltration through the southern border. Sen. Tillis shares these concerns, stressing the immediate threat to homeland security, which he believes should take precedence over aid to Ukraine and Israel.
Despite Sen. James Lankford’s efforts to mediate and find a middle ground in talks, progress remains elusive. Lawmakers are feeling the heat, with calls to ditch the holiday recess and stay in session until a deal is struck.
The White House isn’t holding back either, with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre putting the blame on Republicans for blocking the aid bill. She accused Republicans in Congress of playing “chicken” with national security, labeling their actions as a gift to Vladimir Putin while being “stunning” and “willing” to compromise U.S. national security. Ouch!
