Senators Flee Town as Record Illegal Crossings and Border Negotiations Intensify

Border negotiations for a border security framework that would unlock aid to Ukraine are still ongoing, but the majority of senators have already left town, pushing negotiations to January. Lawmakers will have just 10 days to pass FY 2024 appropriation bills when they return. Meanwhile, illegal crossings at the southern border hit a record high with over 12,600 migrants encountered in a single day. Republicans are refusing to pass additional aid to Ukraine without strict border security measures. Talks have been ongoing with senators and the Biden administration, but a deal is not expected this week.