Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell, faces backlash over border deal
In a surprising turn of events, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has reversed his support for the border deal negotiated between senators James Lankford, Krysten Sinema, Chris Murphy, and Biden officials. McConnell announced that the bill had no path forward after most of the GOP caucus argued that the legislation did not provide enough border security.
Critics blame McConnell for failed bill
McConnell has received criticism from fellow Republican senators such as Rick Scott, JD Vance, Mike Lee, and Ted Cruz. Cruz even went as far as calling for McConnell to step down. Despite the criticism, McConnell appears unfazed, with one Senate aide stating, “Mitch McConnell is good at taking the heat.”
‘Clean’ supplemental package moves forward
After the combined border and foreign aid bill failed, senators voted to begin work on a “clean” supplemental package that provides standalone aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The package is priced at $95 billion and is set to exclude any border security provisions. Republicans vow to add “real” border provisions before agreeing to aid for Ukraine.
McConnell urges passage of supplemental package for Ukraine
Despite the border negotiations, McConnell has been urging Congress to pass the supplemental package for Ukraine, as funding for the Eastern European nation ran out last year. However, hawkish GOP senators have been divided on the issue.
Discontent with McConnell’s leadership
Senators Ron Johnson and Josh Hawley have expressed their frustrations with McConnell’s handling of the border negotiations. Johnson blames President Biden for not using his authority to secure the border, while Hawley criticizes McConnell’s lack of oversight and accountability in the standalone supplemental package.
Republicans call for reinstatement of Trump-era policies
Republicans argue that the Biden administration should address the border crisis with existing measures instead of requiring additional authority or legislation. Democrats, on the other hand, reject the bill, citing concerns that it would make it harder for migrants to receive asylum. The bill is considered dead on arrival in the GOP-led House.
McConnell faces pressure to listen to his members
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and McConnell have maintained a close working relationship in the last two years, but GOP senators are calling for McConnell to listen to his fellow Republicans. Many senators express their frustrations with being dragged into Democrat deals and question the unifying nature of their leadership.
McConnell defends his actions
McConnell defends his actions, stating that he followed the instructions of his conference who insisted on tackling the border issue in October. Despite facing criticism, McConnell plans to complete his two-year term as leader and his full six-year term in office.
