Staff Reports
House Republicans from Texas are standing up to their Senate GOP colleagues over a proposal that they believe falls short in addressing illegal immigration at the southern border. These Texas lawmakers are urging the Senate to prioritize a border security bill that was previously passed in the House without any support from Democrats. This bill, known as H.R. 2, has not garnered enough support in the Senate for a vote. The Texas lawmakers argue that the Senate’s proposal, which links Ukraine funding to immigration policy changes, doesn’t go far enough to address the ongoing crisis at the border.
Congress.
Pass the Texas Border Plan.
ALL Americans are counting on it. https://t.co/Qqaszp3N0K
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 9, 2023
The letter signed by almost all Texas House Republicans emphasizes the importance of the “Texas Border Plan” that influenced the framework of H.R. 2. They believe this plan, which includes measures such as raising the credible fear standard for asylum, restoring Trump-era asylum arrangements, and preventing mass releases, should take precedence over bills that combine border security with aid for Ukraine. These lawmakers highlight that many Senate Republicans have previously supported these provisions and urge their colleagues to embrace the critical policy changes already included in H.R. 2 and the Texas Border Plan.
On the other side, a group led by Senators Lindsey Graham, James Lankford, and Tom Cotton has crafted a Senate proposal that incorporates several provisions from H.R. 2. However, Texas Republicans insist that the Senate should focus on passing H.R. 2 in its original form, as it was approved by a majority of Senate Republicans through an amendment to a debt ceiling bill in June 2023.
While Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has dismissed the Senate border plan as a “nonstarter,” House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed openness to considering separate legislation that combines border security and aid for Ukraine. It remains uncertain whether such legislation would gain widespread GOP support or reach President Biden’s desk, as he has already threatened to veto H.R. 2 if it crosses his path.
Overall, this clash between House and Senate Republicans underscores the urgency of addressing the crisis at the southern border and reveals divisions within the party about the best approach to immigration policy. Texas Republicans are adamant that H.R. 2 and the Texas Border Plan offer comprehensive solutions, while Senate Republicans are attempting to negotiate policy changes by leveraging Ukraine funding.
