Senators race to release package of US border policies and aid for Ukraine, Israel
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Senators are working to release a bill that combines border enforcement policy with wartime aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other US allies. The bill aims to resupply Ukraine with wartime aid and overhaul the asylum system at the US border. However, it has faced opposition from Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. The Senate was expected to hold a test vote on the legislation this week. The bill includes measures for faster and tougher enforcement at the border and gives presidents new powers to expel migrants. The proposal is part of an election-year shift on immigration, with President Joe Biden and many Democrats embracing strict border enforcement. House Republicans have shown resistance to the Senate package and plan to vote on a separate package of $17.6 billion in military aid for Israel. The border proposal aims to gain control of an overwhelmed asylum system and includes measures for tougher and quicker enforcement. It would automatically expel migrants back to Mexico if the number of illegal border crossings reaches a certain threshold. The bill would allocate $18.5 billion to immigration enforcement, including the hiring of new officers and funding for shelters and services. The tougher asylum standards in the bill have raised concerns among progressive and Hispanic lawmakers. The bill is still being negotiated, and Republican senators may push to slow its advancement.
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