Democratic Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia voiced his support for the bipartisan border deal unveiled this week, emphasizing the urgent need to address what he described as the “most dangerous threat facing our country today” – the crisis at the southern border. In a statement released on Tuesday, Manchin commended the collaborative efforts of both Democratic and Republican senators in crafting a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing border security issues promptly.
The bipartisan bill, revealed by the Senate on Sunday, proposes bolstering border security measures while also offering assistance to Ukraine and Israel. After extensive negotiations involving the White House and Senate Republicans, the bill’s release marked a significant step towards addressing the multifaceted challenges at the border.
Despite the bipartisan efforts, some Senate Republicans have voiced opposition, seeking to impede the bill’s progress by advocating for amendments and alterations. This resistance was evident during a closed-door meeting on Monday evening, where discussions revolved around potential changes to the bill. Additionally, House Republican leadership staunchly rejected the bill, signaling their intent to thwart its passage upon reaching their chamber.
Manchin urged lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to prioritize national security and unite in support of the legislation. He underscored the necessity of addressing the border crisis promptly, emphasizing that partisan politics should not hinder efforts to safeguard the nation’s security.
The comprehensive 370-page bill encompasses a total funding allocation of $118.3 billion. Leading the negotiations were Senators James Lankford from Oklahoma, Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona, and Chris Murphy from Connecticut.
The negotiated provisions include $60 billion designated for Ukraine, $20 billion allocated for U.S. border security enhancements, and $14 million requested by President Joe Biden to support Israel amid its conflict in Gaza.
