House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, have staunchly opposed the bipartisan immigration deal negotiated in the Senate, asserting during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday that it has no path forward. The deal, aimed at addressing national security concerns and facilitating aid to Ukraine, faces mounting resistance from House Republicans, who align with former President Donald Trump’s call to block it.
According to accounts from lawmakers present at the closed-door session, Speaker Johnson unequivocally declared the immigration deal as “absolutely dead.” Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia affirmed Johnson’s stance, stating, “I just heard Speaker Johnson saying it’s absolutely dead, which is what I wanted to hear,” further emphasizing that there is currently no feasible route for its advancement.
Similarly, Representative Roger Williams of Texas reiterated Johnson’s assertion, affirming that the deal “said it’s not going anywhere.”
Trump’s influence looms large over the GOP, with his vocal opposition to the border deal resonating within the party. Critics argue that Trump’s motivations are politically driven, aimed at preserving a potent campaign issue and obstructing President Joe Biden’s legislative achievements.
However, Speaker Johnson refuted allegations of aligning with Trump’s agenda solely for political gain, stating that discussions with Trump primarily focus on national security concerns. Johnson emphasized Trump’s commitment to border security, citing his campaign promises to address immigration issues.
Meanwhile, attacks on the Senate compromise have intensified from House Republicans and Trump, despite the absence of finalized text. House Republicans contend that any immigration legislation must mirror HR 2, a conservative bill that faces insurmountable obstacles in the Democrat-controlled Senate.
The border deal, which includes provisions to expedite asylum processes and empower the Department of Homeland Security to respond to border surges, faces vehement opposition from House Republicans. Representative Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, labeled the deal a “nonstarter,” advocating for a complete halt to migrant entries at the border.
The resistance from House Republicans poses a significant challenge to the Senate’s bipartisan efforts, threatening to derail crucial aid to Ukraine and exacerbating the divide between House and Senate Republicans on immigration policy. As the debate unfolds, the fate of the immigration deal remains uncertain, with GOP leaders grappling with the implications of abandoning the compromise in favor of other legislative priorities.
