David Lammy and UK officials are in talks with Gibraltar and EU representatives to finalize a post-Brexit agreement, focusing on border rules and sovereignty issues, with key sticking points including Schengen zone membership and border infrastructure. The negotiations aim to establish a stable relationship between Gibraltar, the EU, and Spain, amid ongoing disputes over sovereignty and border arrangements.
France has proposed a plan to end hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, calling for Hezbollah fighters to withdraw 10 km from the border and initiating negotiations on the disputed Lebanon-Israel frontier. The proposal aims to prevent a conflict escalation and envisions a three-step approach, including the deployment of Lebanese army troops in the border region. While some details have been objected to by Lebanese officials, the proposal has been discussed with Israel and Hezbollah, with the aim of bringing together all initiatives to build peace.
Republican Senator James Lankford disputed House Speaker Mike Johnson's claim of being excluded from bipartisan border negotiations, stating that Johnson chose not to participate despite being invited. Lankford defended the bipartisan border bill, which has faced criticism from Republicans, emphasizing the need to address border security and urging colleagues to thoroughly review the legislation before forming opinions.
President Biden is facing the challenge of crafting legislation on immigration and border security that can pass both chambers of Congress while addressing a major campaign vulnerability. Lawmakers from both parties are divided on the best approach, with senators working on a deal linking foreign aid with increased border security. Biden's message needs to appeal to both Republicans and Democrats, and his recent statement about being "willing to make significant compromises on the border" raises questions about his strategy and target audience.
Senators are preparing to vote on a bipartisan immigration deal next week, but face challenges in garnering support from both Democrats and Republicans. The deal includes provisions to allow the president to shut down the border in certain circumstances, expedite asylum claims, and grant the Department of Homeland Security expulsion authority. While Senate Democrats are expected to back the legislation, it faces uncertainty in the House and opposition from former President Donald Trump, who aims to prevent President Biden from securing a win on a critical issue ahead of the upcoming election.
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.
The politics of immigration in the United States have shifted to the right, with growing support for border measures once denounced by Democrats and championed by former President Donald Trump. President Biden, who initially aimed to restore humanity and American values to the immigration system, is now considering sweeping restrictions on migration in exchange for aid to Ukraine and Israel. This move risks angering key parts of his core constituency, such as progressives and young voters, but it also reflects the political vulnerability of the southern border issue. The discussions highlight the significant shift in immigration politics and the challenges faced by the Biden administration in finding a compromise that satisfies both Republicans and Democrats.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address all senators in a last-ditch effort to convince them to reach a deal on funding Ukraine's defense against Russia before the Senate breaks for the holidays. The Senate is struggling to finalize an agreement that would combine Ukraine funding with new border restrictions. Negotiations on the border piece have hit a deadlock, with Republicans making what Democrats consider to be unreasonable demands. The Senate is scheduled to go on recess at the end of the week, and negotiators may need to show progress to delay the break.
Senate Democrats claim that border negotiations have collapsed as Republicans are demanding policies that would effectively close the border and eliminate asylum for those with valid claims, which Democrats refuse to accept. However, Republicans argue that talks are ongoing and they are still exchanging proposals. The negotiations face challenges in the House, where Republicans are resistant to Ukraine funding and demand stricter border policies. The impasse may lead to a vote on a $106 billion supplemental package this week, with Republicans prepared to filibuster if a border deal is not reached. The Biden administration warns that time is running out for Ukraine, urging congressional action before the end of the year.
