McConnell Supports Senate Border Deal, House GOP Leaders Oppose

The proposed bipartisan border deal, which includes a $118.28 billion national security supplemental package, is facing strong opposition from House Republicans and certain Senate GOP members. House Speaker Mike Johnson has labeled the Senate's bill 'dead on arrival,' expressing concerns about the bill's potential effects on border security and immigration policy. Despite provisions in the bill aimed at addressing border security, such as the possibility of turning away undocumented immigrants and asylum-seekers, opposition remains due to fears that it could encourage illegal immigration and give President Biden a political win.

Senate Republicans, led by far right-wing lawmakers, have voiced their disapproval, with at least 21 senators indicating opposition to the bill. The bill, which includes significant foreign aid and aims to bolster security assistance to allies such as Ukraine and Israel, also has provisions that could allow the president to restrict illegal migrant crossings at the southern border. However, the opposition, including criticism from Montana Sen. Steve Daines, a member of the Senate GOP leadership, focuses on the bill's alleged shortcomings, such as expanding work authorizations for illegal aliens without including critical asylum reforms and potentially endorsing a 'catch and release' policy. With this level of resistance, the bill faces an uphill battle in reaching the necessary 60 votes to pass.