Castor Calls On Speaker Johnson to Renegotiate Border Deal

Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) released a statement following Congress’s inability to agree on the border security deal crafted in the U.S. Senate.

According to CNN, the proposal would’ve allowed an influx of illegal immigrants into the country through the southern border but provided $20.23 billion for “operational needs and capabilities” and resources for the newly proposed border policies.

The $118.2 billion package in total would’ve offered more than $60 billion in aid to Ukraine and $14.1 billion to Israel, and funding for Taiwan as well.

Republicans in the Senate voted the bill down but many – including Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) – mentioned they were open to supporting legislation that excludes the immigration package but provides funding to nations such as Israel and Ukraine.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) said that the all-encompassing version of the border security bill is “dead on arrival.”

However, Speaker Johnson did say he would wait to see what exactly the Senate passes regarding the bill.

With all of this in mind, Rep. Castor chastised Republicans for walking away from the border security deal after calling for immigration reform for years.

“Republicans in Congress are mired in chaos. Extreme MAGA Republicans complain about border security but refuse to act to address the issue,” said Rep. Castor. “Republicans demanded a border fix and then walked away because they thought fixing the problem may help President Joe Biden. Republicans care more about their politics than the best interests of the American people.”

Furthermore, the Florida congresswoman called on Speaker Johnson to “return to the negotiating table” to orchestrate a bipartisan border deal.

However, the House was never included in the Senate border package discussions to begin with.

“Speaker Johnson should return to the negotiating table to craft a national security agreement that secures the border and provides support for the people of Ukraine and Israel while also providing much-needed humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by conflicts around the world,” said Rep. Castor. “Millions of Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes for cramped, dirty shelters as water and food supplies dwindle, deepening the already urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Failing to deliver humanitarian assistance will only undermine stability in the region.”

Securing the border, immigration reform, and funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan have all been discussed in the past. With both chambers holding razor thin margins, it will be difficult for a major bill to make it to the President’s desk.