House Speaker Johnson Demands Major Border Security Reforms as Condition for Ukraine Aid Support

House Speaker Johnson Demands Major Border Security Reforms as Condition for Ukraine Aid Support

In a bold move, House Speaker Mike Johnson has linked significant changes in U.S. border policy to the approval of President Joe Biden’s substantial aid proposal, aimed at supporting Ukraine and Israel amidst ongoing conflicts. Johnson conveyed this uncompromising stance to Republican colleagues on Tuesday, emphasizing that border policy should be the primary focus in the negotiations surrounding Biden’s proposed $106 billion aid package.

This package, intended to bolster military, economic, and humanitarian efforts, particularly in Ukraine, has hit a snag due to the introduction of border security discussions. Johnson, addressing the media, firmly stated that addressing border issues is a prerequisite to fulfilling other international responsibilities.

Earlier, during a private meeting with GOP lawmakers, Johnson identified border policy as the non-negotiable element in these discussions, aligning with the conservative push for the enactment of H.R. 2. This bill, passed in May, proposes restarting the construction of southern border walls and tightening asylum claim processes in the U.S.

Johnson’s position was further solidified in a letter sent to the White House, coinciding with warnings about impending financial shortages for military support to Ukraine. The urgency of these funds is underscored by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Republican stance poses a significant challenge in the Senate, where bipartisan efforts are focused on a more moderate approach to border policy. This creates a division between the House and Senate Republicans, with the latter not insisting on the comprehensive policies of the House’s legislation. Senator James Lankford remarked on the improbability of the Senate passing a bill that failed to secure Democratic support in the House.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is advocating for a test vote on the emergency funding package, excluding the contentious border security demands. Schumer stressed the importance of this aid for Ukraine and global democracy.

However, Johnson informed Schumer that passing the supplemental package in the House without attaching H.R. 2 would be impossible. Current Senate discussions are exploring compromises, such as modifying the asylum entry threshold and limiting the executive branch’s power in migrant admissions.

Republicans, led by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, are resolute in blocking the funding bill unless it incorporates their desired border policies. McConnell emphasized the need to focus on U.S. border concerns alongside international issues.

House members are also slated to receive briefings from national security adviser Jake Sullivan on the critical need for aid to Ukraine. The House’s Republican faction remains divided, with some members opposing further aid to Ukraine, even if paired with stringent border policies.

The White House has remained discreet regarding the border negotiation details, urging expedited approval of Biden’s funding request. Olivia Dalton, White House principal deputy press secretary, emphasized the high stakes involved in Ukraine during a press briefing.

Despite his previous opposition to Ukrainian aid, Johnson, known for his conservative views, has shown openness to funding Ukraine’s military efforts, highlighting the importance of countering Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, he seeks more clarity from the White House on the conflict’s endgame and oversight of the allocated funds.

This impasse in Congress has raised serious concerns among lawmakers like Senator Chris Murphy about the potential failure to secure funding by year’s end, stressing the global implications of this deadlock.

Reporters Kevin Freking and Seung Min Kim from Big Big News contributed to this report.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Border Policy Reform