Staff Reports
Senate Republicans are gearing up to throw a wrench in the wheels of the newly revamped Ukraine-border bill, showing signs of concern just one day after its release. The 300-plus-page bill seems to have sent Republicans into a frenzy, with many leaning toward a “no” vote in a move to give themselves more time to scrutinize the legislation. They argue that the rush to a decision is akin to speed-reading a lengthy novel without getting the full grasp of the plot.
Senator James Lankford, the chief Republican negotiator for the border portion of the legislation, expressed doubt that Wednesday’s test vote will pass. This sentiment is echoed by many of his Republican colleagues who hold the power to block the legislation from advancing further with just 41 votes.
Senate Republicans weigh tanking Wednesday border deal vote https://t.co/CTmfJJNZnd
— David Sivak (@DISivak) February 6, 2024
The looming vote on Wednesday is just the beginning of what could be weeks of debate on the bill in the Senate. Some Republicans see the threat of a “no” vote as a bargaining chip to demand an open amendment process, but Democratic leadership is wary of this tactic being used to derail the bill entirely.
The border component of the bill has sparked significant opposition within the Republican conference, with members arguing that it would provide a smokescreen for the White House without effectively addressing the border crisis. Additionally, there is growing skepticism among conservatives regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, further complicating the path forward for the bill.
As Republicans demand more time to review the bill, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin has expressed openness to amendments but fears that the process could be hijacked into a filibuster. The tension within the Republican conference is palpable, with vocal criticism from conservatives and a desire for more thorough discussions on the bill’s provisions and substance.
The pressure on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is mounting as he navigates the delicate task of securing enough Republican votes to advance the bill. With leaders such as Speaker Mike Johnson and former President Donald Trump pushing for the legislation to meet its demise in the Senate, McConnell faces an uphill battle to corral his colleagues in support of the bill.
The conference meeting is described as a heated affair, with members urged not to undermine the conference in public following hours of vocal criticism by conservatives. Senators highlight the need for more time to socialize the agreement with rank-and-file members, signaling a deep divide within the Republican ranks on the path forward for the Ukraine-border bill.
Ultimately, the fate of the bill hinges on the ability of Senate Republicans to find common ground and muster enough support to pass the legislation. As tensions run high and the clock ticks down to the Wednesday test vote, the spotlight is on the Senate to navigate the treacherous waters of legislative decision-making.
