The US Senate has again voted against a multibillion-dollar package containing provisions for aid to Ukraine and Israel and tougher border controls. Some Republican senators did so because Donald Trump made the call.
Democrats and Republicans have been negotiating for months over a bill for a package worth 109.8 billion euros. Although an agreement was reached on Sunday, the package did not receive enough support during Wednesday's vote.
Package included Many components, support for key US allies abroad, etc. For example, billions were made available to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, for security assistance to Israel, and for humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Ukraine.
At the insistence of Republicans, money was also available for tougher border controls. The proposal would give the Department of Homeland Security the ability to take tougher action at the border if the daily average is more than 4,000 immigrants. If migrants are ineligible to seek asylum, the ministry can ban them.
However, the plan was scrapped on Wednesday under pressure from Trump. He had called on his fellow party members not to make a deal with President Joe Biden's Democrats. Trump has been critical of Biden's border policy since the start of his campaign, and the current president's victory certainly doesn't help.
Some Republican senators decided to comply. They voted against the plan because border controls would not be strict enough. Some Democratic senators actually voted against it because they thought the restrictions were too onerous.
The Senate reconvenes today
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized Republican senators for voting against the bill. “Instead of standing up to Donald Trump, Senate Republicans are willing to destroy our best chance at border repair.”
The Senate will reconvene on Thursday to debate the legislation. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said the agency should focus on providing aid to foreign allies.
McConnell puts responsibility for a new plan with any changes on Schumer. It has said it will focus on an emergency package aimed solely at financial assistance abroad. It seems to have enough support.
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