(ReliableNews.org) – Ever since the government nearly shut down in 2023, both chambers of Congress have been trying to iron out a deal everyone can live with. Republicans have been demanding sweeping changes at the border, while Democrats have their eyes on supporting Ukraine. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have been meeting with President Joe Biden for weeks to come to a compromise. Senate Republicans, however, aren’t happy.
On January 23, The Hill reported there was a heated debate happening amongst Republicans in the Senate about the border deal likely to hit the floor soon. Tempers flared over a number of issues, including the GOP senators feeling left out of the negotiating process and whether or not a compromised bill would even make it through the House. Some were concerned about not having enough time to properly review the legislation before a vote, while others showed frustration about the border deal being tethered to Ukraine funding.
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) said not everyone in the GOP conference agrees sending more money to Ukraine is a good idea or about what should be done about immigration. According to The New York Times, former President Donald Trump (R) is casting a shadow over the whole deal, urging Republicans who follow him to reject any agreement that doesn’t contain every GOP demand. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reportedly said Trump is creating hostility regarding any impending deal, putting the GOP “in a quandary.” The Kentucky senator has been very vocal about his support for continuing to help Ukraine defeat Russia — a view not all those in his party share.
After the heated meeting, several senators admitted that what might have united both Republicans and Democrats was likely doomed by the former president, as those who follow his wishes would likely tank the deal.
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