WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republicans in the upper chamber were able to muster enough votes to block the Senate border bill from passing. The bill failed by a tally of 49-50. 60 votes were needed to pass.
According to CNN, the deal would still allow an influx of illegal immigrants into the country through the southern border but provide $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.
Notable “yes” votes include Sens. Mitt Romney (R-UT), James Lankford (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
Notable “no” votes include Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mitch McConnell (R-KY) – who initially supported the bill – and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) voted no to keep the legislation alive and avoid a tie, allowing him to bring the bill back up in the future, according to CNN.
Moreover, following the failure of the bill, the Senate is voting for an aid package mostly stripped of the border security funding.
It would also require 60 votes for the measure to pass.
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) mentioned that he was open to voting for the package minus the more controversial border funding that would permit thousands of migrants daily.
“I want to help Ukraine,” said Sen. Rubio. “We are useless to Ukraine as a country if we are going to have roving band criminals running to the streets of this country, jacking people’s phones and attacking police officers, are laughing about it afterward, tearing down Israeli-American flags from people’s porches and then beating up a guy when they come out.”
Furthermore, Sen. Rubio was asked if he’d be able to explain his “no” vote on the border security package to his Jewish constituents. He said he was in favor of funding for Israel but Majority Leader Schumer should “separate it” as it is “holding Israel hostage.”
“You should separate Israel out. The reason why he won’t is he’s holding Israel hostage. Schumer and the Democrats are holding Israel hostage until they get what they want and all these other things,” said Rubio. “They’re holding them hostage, and I would say to the American people, they are holding border security and complying with the law hostage until we send the money to foreign governments. So, I think everyone should be upset about it.”
The House voted no against stand-alone Israel funding last night. It also needed two-thirds approval to pass. It failed by a vote of 250-180.
