Senate eagerly awaits breakthrough border deal

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – This week Capitol Hill is eagerly waiting for a breakthrough border deal. Senate leaders are hopeful they can move forward on an immigration package that would also include money for Ukraine and Israel.

On Monday, the Senate leaders from both parties expressed optimism that a deal was coming soon.

“This agreement would come not a moment too soon,” Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

“We remain hopeful, but it’s certainly not a done deal yet,” Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer said.

Senate negotiators and the White House have been working on legislation for months now.

“This is an urgent moment an urgent time to get things done at the border,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Initially, the White House requested billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine and Israel as part of a national security supplemental deal, but Republicans insisted that any security package also has to include border reform.

“America’s national security begins with securing and maintaining our borders,” McConnell said.

President Biden says he’s willing to compromise with Republicans to strengthen border security.

“They have to choose whether they want to solve a problem or keep weaponizing issue to score political points against the president,” Biden said.

Even if the Senate can pass a package, it faces tough odds in the Republican controlled House. But Texas Congressman Michael McCaul says he’s hopeful.

“I think we’ve got the leverage and possibly the best opportunity to get something serious done,” McCaul said. “Significant policy changes, I think, would satisfy House Republicans, or at least most.”

Any House vote will have to wait until next week, when they come back from recess.

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