Democrats use immigration bill to criticize Republicans on border security.
Democrats are taking a strong stand against the Republicans’ opposition to a Senate bill aimed at compromise on border security. They accuse their counterparts of exploiting the crisis at the southern border instead of focusing on effective legislation.
In the upper chamber, Democrats continue to express their support for a bipartisan border security bill that was rejected by Republicans in a test vote back in February for not meeting their criteria for strong enough measures.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., emphasized the Democrats’ commitment to securing the border by stating, “Instead of just making a lot of speeches and pointing fingers, we Democrats want to take action to secure our border,” during floor remarks on Wednesday.
Schumer initiated a daily countdown earlier this month, marking the number of days that have passed since the immigration bill failed to garner the 60 votes required to move forward.
He pointed to the inaction from Donald Trump and Republicans, stating, “It’s been 98 days since Donald Trump and the Republicans blocked the strongest, most comprehensive border security bill in a generation. And they still don’t have any plan except exploiting the border for Trump’s political gain.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., acknowledged the renewed focus on the border measures in his own remarks on the Senate floor. He highlighted the importance of the immigration issue to voters leading up to the elections, suggesting that the Democrats are using this focus as a strategic move.
McConnell argued that President Biden already possesses the necessary authority to address the border issues but has failed to take appropriate action. “The path out of the deepening border crisis is not a mystery; it simply requires a president willing to take decisive steps,” he stated.
When a procedural test vote was conducted in February on the negotiated border measure put together by Sens. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., and James Lankford, R-Okla., it was unsuccessful as nearly every Republican opposed it.
Republicans critiqued the bill, claiming it was insufficient and did not incorporate essential Republican priorities. Some even argued that it would exacerbate the border issue.
Senator Lankford noted that the bill was flawed and destined to fail, indicating that it would face similar opposition if brought up for discussion again.
Republicans also highlighted that the House had previously passed a preferred border measure, which included policies like reimplementing a requirement for asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting hearings and continuing the construction of the border wall.
However, Schumer had not taken up the bill that had been approved in the House.
Upon the release of the text for the negotiated Senate border bill, Schumer clarified, “Many on the hard-right wanted to hijack this process by demanding we take up H.R. 2, but I made clear the only bill I would bring to the floor was one that could win bipartisan support.”
The issue of immigration gained prominence in February, becoming the top concern on Gallup’s “Most Important Problem” list among Americans surveyed.
As McConnell hinted, Democrats face a challenging election map in the Senate, with several incumbents in competitive races in swing states. With a narrow majority in the upper chamber, Democrats are under pressure to defend their vulnerable seats in the upcoming elections.
Amidst the tough election landscape, Republicans have a significant opportunity to secure a majority in the Senate in 2025, particularly as vulnerable incumbent Democrats are called upon to defend their stance on border security under Democratic governance.
