“Challenging issues remain, but we are committed to addressing the needs of the southern border and helping allies and partners counter serious threats in Israel, Ukraine, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Senate will not let these national security challenges go unanswered,” the statement read, CNN reports.
Schumer also announced last night that there will be no more House votes this year.
Negotiations on a relief package unveiled in October have stalled as Republicans push for tougher immigration policies in the face of billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine and Israel.
“As negotiators work on the remaining issues, we hope their efforts will allow the Senate to move quickly on a national security enhancement early in the new year,” Schumer and McConnell said in a statement.
But James Lankford, the top Republican at the border negotiating table, said it would take weeks to reach a deal.
The White House warned this week that the aid package for Ukraine, announced for later this year, will be the last if Congress fails to reach a deal.
President Joe Biden has said he is willing to compromise on border security, which could anger the progressive Democrats on whom his presidential nomination depends.
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2023-12-20 05:49:37
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