Staff Reports
The Senate border deal is already exploding, causing a bipartisan uproar. After months of closed-door negotiations, the bill was met with widespread protest from conservatives in both the House and Senate. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise delivered the final blow, asserting that the Senate Border Bill would not even receive a vote in the House. Scalise specifically pointed out a provision in the bill that allows for the automatic expulsion of illegal immigrants if the number of recorded border crossings reaches 5,000 a day for a week. He argued that this provision acts as a magnet for more illegal immigration. Scalise’s criticisms were echoed by other conservative critics, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who declared that if the bill reaches the House, it will be dead on arrival.
3/ A quicker, fairer asylum process. No more 10 yr wait. Claims processed in a non-detained, non-adversarial way in 6 months.
A slightly higher asylum screening standard at the border.
Also, no more waiting for work permits. Most asylum seekers can work immediately.
— Chris Murphy ? (@ChrisMurphyCT) February 4, 2024
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy’s social media thread, which voiced support for the bill, further fueled conservative opposition. Murphy declared that under the bill, “the border never closes,” a sentiment that House Speaker Johnson found alarming. Johnson emphasized that the bill is even worse than expected and will not solve the border crisis created by President Biden.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell attempted to put a positive spin on the bill in his statement, but his weak plea for its passage raised doubts about his own support. Republicans in the Senate, such as Mike Lee and J.D. Vance, openly rebelled against the bill, calling it a betrayal and an atrocious proposal. The question remains whether any Republicans will continue to support this controversial legislation in light of its explosive reception.
