Lawmakers Urged to Sweeten Border Security Deal for Aid Bill Passage

Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, acknowledges the challenges of getting a border deal involving Ukraine aid and border security funding through the House, stating that the deal needs to be "sweetened." He suggests designating cartels as terrorist organizations and holding smugglers accountable as potential measures to garner support. While the Senate and White House may have a different approach, Gonzales emphasizes the need to find 218 votes in the House and push the deal forward. The House has not set a timeline for passing a bill if the Senate reaches a deal. Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova urges progress in Congress to secure additional aid for Ukraine before the end of the year.