WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national security supplemental funding bill has been front and center on Capitol Hill for several weeks.
The chances of the bill, which would send billions to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, passing before the holidays remains unlikely.
The major reason for the delay is partisan disagreement over policies to address the southern border.
Senators, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY), have high hopes for next week with negotiations expected to continue through the weekend.
“As I’ve said, if we believe something is important and urgent, we should stay and get the job done. The Senate will return on Monday. That will give negotiators from the White House, Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans a time to work through the weekend in an effort to reach a framework agreement,” said Sen. Schumer.
The House, however, has left for holiday recess, but they can be called back.
“The highest, the highest thing on my list is always what are we doing for our American citizens first? Do we have people that rely on us around the world? Absolutely,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R- PA). “If we can find money to give to Ukraine, if we can find money to give to Israel, we sure as heck should be able to make sure that our borders are safe and secure to begin with,” he added.
Earlier today, Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, met with the group of senators tasked with negotiating a border agreement.
