Lawmakers unveiled a comprehensive $118 billion package on Sunday, addressing issues at the southern border, providing aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. allies. The proposed legislation faces an uncertain path in the House, where Republican leaders have expressed strong opposition. The 370-page bill includes a long-awaited bipartisan deal to tackle the migrant crisis at the southern border and allocates additional funding for foreign conflicts, with $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, and $10 billion for humanitarian aid, including in Gaza.
Despite reports circulating for months, the release of the bill text allows leaders to evaluate the proposed legislation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to initiate the legislative process, emphasizing that the majority of Senators are eager to address the issues. However, former President Donald Trump and other GOP leaders have criticized the agreement, questioning its prospects in Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled the bill “even worse than expected” and declared it “dead on arrival” if it reaches the House. Some Republican senators, including Sen. Mike Lee, expressed immediate disapproval. Sen. James Lankford urged colleagues to reserve judgment until a thorough review is conducted. President Joe Biden, on the other hand, described the legislation as the “toughest and fairest set of border reforms in decades,” garnering support from Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
The proposed border agreement aims to address the migrant crisis by expanding detention capacity, making it more challenging to qualify for asylum, and deterring illegal border crossings. It includes approximately $20 billion in additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security to enhance its ability to handle migrants and combat narcotics smuggling. The legislation also terminates the “catch and release” practice, detaining migrants during asylum claim evaluations.
Key provisions involve the creation of a voluntary program for migrants to return to their home countries at the U.S. government’s expense. The bill expands green card-eligible visas, ensures H1-B visa holders’ children remain eligible for green cards, and introduces a pathway to citizenship for Afghans who left their country after the Taliban takeover.
One contentious element is a three-year policy to halt the processing of asylum applications if the weekly average of expulsions and apprehensions reaches 4,000 or more. A mandated shutdown occurs at 5,000 or more, leading to immediate deportation for those caught crossing illegally. The border reopens after reaching 75% of the trigger number or specific timeframes in subsequent years.
The House GOP, led by Trump’s influence, has expressed opposition to the package. As the 2024 election cycle gains momentum, Trump pressures Republicans to reject the deal, making border security a focal point of his campaign. Despite internal party resistance, Biden has intensified his support for the package, emphasizing its importance in addressing the border crisis.
House Republicans, particularly Speaker Johnson, have criticized the Senate proposal, suggesting that Biden could take action to curb unauthorized migration without congressional assistance. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also opposes the deal, asserting that it may exacerbate problems and delay real comprehensive immigration reform.
In conclusion, the $118 billion package faces significant challenges as it navigates the legislative process, encountering resistance from House Republicans, influence from former President Trump, and opposition from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The proposed legislation aims to address complex issues at the southern border while providing foreign aid, but its fate in Congress remains uncertain.