"Senate Nears Border Deal Amid Immigration Debate and Shutdown Threats"

Senator James Lankford, a Republican from Oklahoma, has indicated that progress is being made in Senate negotiations on immigration and border policy, with a potential deal expected to be released this week. The bipartisan talks, which also involve Senators Chris Murphy and Kyrsten Sinema, aim to toughen asylum laws and address House Republicans' demands for stricter migration restrictions. The negotiations are crucial for passing new aid to Ukraine and avoiding a government shutdown, with both chambers of Congress and the White House needing to agree on the legislation. House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed optimism about reaching a deal to prevent a shutdown, while emphasizing the House's commitment to its own border bill, H.R. 2.