Washington, D.C. — President Biden convened with congressional leaders on Wednesday to address the ongoing dispute over border security and aid for Ukraine. The high-profile meeting, attended by key committee chairs, ranking members, and national security officials, primarily centered on securing supplemental funding for Ukraine and implementing enhanced border security measures along with potential immigration policy changes.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, expressed optimism after the meeting, stating, “I am more optimistic than ever before that we come to an agreement.”
The protracted disagreement over the supplemental spending package, originally proposed by the president, has lingered as congressional Republicans conditioned their support on tying Ukraine aid to stricter border policies. Senate negotiations continued into the new year, focusing on forging a compromise on immigration issues.
Lawmakers seeking a middle-ground deal, attracting support from both moderate Democrats and Republicans, hope to break decades of unsuccessful attempts in Congress to reform the immigration system.
During the meeting, there was a consensus on the importance of addressing both Ukraine aid and border security. Schumer emphasized the global repercussions of neglecting Ukraine, describing the consequences for America as “nothing short of devastating.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, described the discussion as positive and forward-looking, highlighting broad agreement on supporting Ukraine and an openness to addressing border issues in a bipartisan manner.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, characterized the meeting as productive, emphasizing the priority of border security over Ukraine aid. Johnson asserted, “We must insist that the border be the top priority.”
In a statement, the White House reported that President Biden emphasized the national security risks of inaction on Ukraine and called for action on both Ukraine and border challenges.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell anticipated a Senate vote on a supplemental package as early as next week, but the fate of an immigration deal in the House remains uncertain.
Johnson expressed House Republicans’ eagerness to see the Senate agreement on border security. He voiced skepticism about comprehensive immigration reform, asserting the need to secure the border urgently.
House Republicans have insisted on using a House-passed border security bill, H.R. 2, as the baseline for any immigration agreement—a stance unlikely to gain traction in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Johnson reiterated the importance of H.R. 2, highlighting its key elements, including restoring the “Remain in Mexico” policy, reforming asylum and parole processes, and resuming the construction of the southern border wall.
Amid House Republicans’ demands for transformative policy changes, Johnson emphasized the need for answers regarding U.S. strategy in Ukraine and accountability for funding to Kyiv to ensure it does not replicate the situation in Afghanistan.
Responding to Johnson’s insistence on prioritizing the border, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stressed that other congressional members also had a say in the discussions. She reiterated President Biden’s commitment to discussing the urgency of supporting Ukraine and its implications for national security. GOP Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, noted that President Biden acknowledged the need for significant changes at the border during the meeting.
