Staff Reports
Senate Republicans are taking a stand against the Democrats’ lack of flexibility on border security, warning that House Speaker Mike Johnson has the power to derail the bipartisan defense spending bill. A group of senators from both sides of the aisle has been hammering out a deal for weeks, focusing on bolstering border security as part of a larger defense spending package that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
The negotiations, led by Sens. James Lankford and Chris Murphy, have honed in on changes to federal asylum policy and the Biden administration’s use of humanitarian parole authority. However, the prospect of Speaker Johnson scuttling the entire bill has sparked concern among the negotiators, casting doubt on the effort’s potential success.
Senate GOP seek border deal with Democrats that Johnson can stomach in the House #news https://t.co/kAY1N8uMtp
— Filtered News (@filterednews) December 15, 2023
Republican Sen. John Cornyn has made it clear that the burden of compromise lies with the Democrats, cautioning that if they fail to meet the House’s expectations, the entire endeavor would be futile. He emphasized that rushing to pass a doomed bill serves no purpose, poking fun at recent instances where Speaker Johnson’s stance did not guarantee the House’s compliance.
On the other side of the aisle, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is urging swift action to secure the supplemental funding, recognizing the bill’s vulnerability in the House. Meanwhile, Sen. Thom Tillis, a centrist Republican involved in the negotiations, has asserted that the final bill must garner significant support from his Republican colleagues to earn his backing. His unwavering stance underscores the gravity of the issue and the importance of securing bipartisan support in the Senate.
Former House member Sen. Markwayne Mullin has revealed that he collaborated with Speaker Johnson on the border negotiations, expressing confidence that Senate Republican backing would pave the way for House approval. Furthermore, Sen. John Kennedy has highlighted the potential for divisions within both the House and Senate, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the bill, which extends beyond border security to encompass hot-button issues such as aid to Ukraine and Israel.
With a touch of humor, Sen. Kennedy remarked on the Democrats’ disunity, contrasting their usual cohesiveness with the Republicans’ current unity. He playfully highlighted the Democrats’ internal rifts, setting the stage for a potentially tumultuous path ahead for the legislation.
In conclusion, Senate Republicans are signaling a firm stance on the defense spending bill, underscoring the need for Democratic concessions on border security. With House Speaker Johnson looming as a potential obstacle, the fate of the bipartisan legislation hangs in the balance, while the intricate web of negotiations and divisions within both parties sets the stage for a contentious battle ahead.
