WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – After months of bipartisan talks, Senate negotiators say they are inching closer to a border deal, but the proposal is already facing some pushback from a group of conservative Republicans before it’s even out.
Negotiators haven’t even drafted the bill, and yet some republicans in the Senate are saying they won’t support it.
“This bill is not designed to fix the problem,” said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
Cruz and Utah republican Mike Lee say the deal to secure the southern border and extend aid to Ukraine is designed to fail.
“This could cause as many problems as it solves,” said Lee.
Senate republicans are demanding tougher border security policies in exchange for their support for providing aid to Ukraine.
But Wisconsin republican Ron Johnson says the pending policy changes will make the border crisis even worse.
“We’re told we’re going to fund sanctuary cities isn’t’ that stupid, I mean take care of illegal immigrants and that’s just going to cause more to come,” said Johnson.
Democrats remain hopeful a deal can be reached.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says time is running out, this week the Biden administration announced the U.S. ran out of money to help Ukraine in December.
“There won’t be more unless Congress acts,” said Schumer.
Senate minority Leader Mitch McConnell spent Wednesday trying to unify the Republican party, warning that blocking the bill would be a win for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
