US senators unveiled a USD 118 billion package combining border enforcement measures with vital wartime aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other US allies, aiming to address multiple global challenges. The proposal, a crucial opportunity for President Joe Biden to bolster Ukraine's defense, faces skepticism from Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson.
With ongoing delays in approving USD 60 billion in Ukraine aid, the US has temporarily halted ammunition and missile shipments to Kyiv, leaving Ukrainian forces at a disadvantage against Russia's invasion.
Apart from aiding Ukraine, the package allocates USD 14 billion in military assistance to Israel, nearly USD 5 billion to allies in the Asia-Pacific region, and humanitarian aid for conflict-affected civilians in Ukraine and Gaza.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell jointly support the bill, recognizing its significance for national security and foreign policy objectives.
The bill's inclusion of border policy changes, at the insistence of McConnell, aims to address immigration challenges alongside national security funding. However, House Republicans, led by Johnson, have expressed reservations about certain aspects of the proposed measures, emphasizing the need for stringent border security.
The border proposal, negotiated over months, seeks to overhaul the asylum system with tougher enforcement measures. If daily illegal border crossings exceed certain thresholds, authorities would have the power to swiftly expel migrants without the opportunity to claim asylum.
President Biden, indicating support for the bill, intends to utilize this expulsion authority to manage border influxes effectively. Nevertheless, the bill's tougher asylum standards have raised concerns among progressive and Hispanic lawmakers within the Democratic Party, potentially complicating its passage.
Meanwhile, the USD 14 billion earmarked for military support to Israel could face opposition from some Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders, who aims to reduce funding for offensive weaponry.
Despite these challenges, Senate appropriators continue to negotiate other components of the package, such as investments in defense manufacturing and humanitarian assistance.
While Senator Lindsey Graham suggests slowing down the bill's progression, bipartisan support is crucial to navigate through the complexities of divided government and ensure effective policymaking in the face of global threats and challenges.