Staff Reports
The Senate did not advance Senator Chuck Schumer’s request for $111 billion in foreign spending on Wednesday, falling short of the 60-vote threshold needed to move forward with the aid package. The vote was 49-51. Schumer scheduled the vote after failed negotiations on border talks and urged GOP colleagues to "get serious."
GOP leadership opposed advancing the foreign aid package without a border agreement, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell insisting on "meaningful changes" to the border. Schumer placed blame on Republicans for the failed vote, while President Biden linked Ukraine aid to Israel funding, and Republicans tied Ukraine aid to border security reforms.
Senate fails to advance Ukraine and Israel package over border deal disputes https://t.co/cJU6LAEvBw 😆😆😆
— Count Dooku (@jaapvander3) December 7, 2023
The deadlock in border negotiations led to the failure of the cloture vote, as Democrats control the Senate by a slim margin, requiring full party support and nine Republicans to pass the bill. Despite differences, Schumer and McConnell have been pushing the bill forward. The media, however, may not highlight the Republican initiative.
While the cloture vote failed, the funding request isn't dead. Senator Chris Coons emphasized the serious signal sent to allies like Ukraine, China, Hamas, and others. Senator Ben Cardin predicted the defense package would eventually pass, and McConnell explored alternative strategies in private meetings. The commitment to finding a solution remains strong among Republican leaders.
