Border Security Crisis at Southern Border: Democrats Urged to Strike Immigration Deal

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer expressed hope that Republicans will support a deal to exchange immigration policy changes for aid to Ukraine. The Senate has left for the holidays without resolving the issue. Schumer believes that Democrats have moved towards the middle on border security, making a compromise more likely. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been advocating for Ukraine funding but also wants policy changes addressing border security attached to the package. Negotiations are ongoing, with both sides working towards a politically risky border agreement. If the negotiations fail, Schumer dismissed the idea of a stand-alone Israel aid package. The debate on the national security package could potentially lead to a government shutdown. Schumer faces a critical funding deadline on January 19, and House Republicans are pushing for steeper budget cuts. Schumer also faces a challenging map in 2024 to maintain the Democratic majority in the Senate.