People attend a press conference on "Start of Ukrainian Week 2024: Bridging Nations, Fostering Collaboration" outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Jan 30, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)
WASHINGTON — After prolonged discussions, US Senators from Republican and Democratic parties on Sunday unveiled a bipartisan border security bill aimed at enhancing border security and facilitating aid for Ukraine.
This pivotal accord, emerging from over three months of intensive negotiations, represents a rare consensus on an issue that has long eluded resolution in American politics, but could still face obstacles in the deeply divided Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, however, has pronounced it "dead on arrival" in the Republican-controlled lower chamber
The deal proposes stringent measures on asylum claims and detention capacity expansion, coupled with substantial financial provisions for Ukraine and border security enhancements.
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However, it stops short of fulfilling some stringent demands, leading to mixed reactions across the political spectrum.
The success of this ambitious legislative effort hinges on overcoming deep-seated divisions, with a crucial vote anticipated in the Senate to determine its viability.
Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Majority Leader from New York, announced his intention to schedule a preliminary vote on the border and Ukraine assistance proposals by Wednesday.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, however, has pronounced it "dead on arrival" in the Republican-controlled lower chamber.
"For too long, going back decades, the immigration system has been broken. It's time to fix it," President Joe Biden said in a statement released Sunday.
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"Now we've reached an agreement on a bipartisan national security deal that includes the toughest and fairest set of border reforms in decades. I strongly support it," Biden said.
