In a major bipartisan effort, the U.S. Senate released a $118 billion package focused on the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as funding for Israel and Ukraine.
The bill has been much talked about and made news for its bipartisanship and timeliness. Both Israel and Ukraine have been facing attacks and have called for help from their ally, the U.S. Furthermore, the border has been a major point of focus, specifically for Republicans. However, many in the GOP have stated that the Senate's package will not pass the House if it makes it there. This news comes despite several Republican lawmakers calling on President Joe Biden (D) to address the border.
Many suspect that the GOP is simply resisting the bill because of Donald Trump’s requests to deny any new border legislation in an attempt to help him campaign against Biden on the issue. This belief has caused many politicians to criticize some of those who are denying the Senate's package.
Recently, Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D) gave an impassioned response to recent reports stating that the GOP wants to stop progress on border legislation in order to help Donald Trump (R) get elected in the 2024 presidential election.
“Of course that's what he wants. Trump wants to keep a broken immigration system, our stock market to crash, and claims that a terrorist attack on our country is ‘100% certain.’ It's on par with Trump's brand of xenophobia and fear-mongering to whip up his base,” said Rep. Escobar.
Utah Senator Mitt Romney (R) questioned the ordeal as he lamented McConnell’s consideration of Trump’s desires.
“I think the border is a very important issue for Donald Trump. And the fact that he would communicate to Republican senators and congresspeople that he doesn't want us to solve the border problem because he wants to blame Biden for it is is really appalling,” stated Romney.
