Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) strongly criticized the bipartisan border deal recently unveiled by the Senate, deeming it “even worse than we expected” and asserting it is “dead on arrival” in the House.
Johnson, expressing his dismay on social media, declared that the proposed legislation, aimed at addressing border security issues, fell short of effectively resolving the challenges at the southern border and criticized its potential implications.
In a pointed statement on X, Johnson emphasized his dissatisfaction with the bill, stating, “I’ve seen enough. This bill is even worse than we expected and won’t come close to ending the border catastrophe the President has created.
Speaker Johnson (Credits: The Hill)
As the lead Democrat negotiator proclaimed: Under this legislation, ‘the border never closes.’ If this bill reaches the House, it will be dead on arrival.”
This critique aligns with Johnson’s earlier warnings, where he had hinted that if the contents of the legislation mirrored the speculations circulating in reports, it would face significant opposition in the House.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), who manages the lower chamber’s schedule, echoed Johnson’s sentiments, asserting that the Senate bill would not receive a vote in the House.
The $118 billion national security supplemental, which encompasses aid for Ukraine, Israel, and a bipartisan border security agreement, has been a focal point of negotiations.
The border security component, constituting $20 billion, outlines measures such as granting temporary authority to expel migrants during high daily crossing rates, ending “catch and release,” raising asylum screening standards and expediting claims processing.
Johnson’s condemnation deals a substantial blow to the bipartisan efforts of Senate negotiators, who had been diligently working to forge an agreement on the contentious issue of border security. Republicans had insisted on tying any assistance for Ukraine to legislation addressing the southern border.
However, as negotiations neared a conclusion, Republican support waned, with arguments that President Biden possesses the necessary tools to address border challenges without requiring new legislative measures from Congress.
Additionally, former President Trump exerted pressure on Truth Social, discouraging a border deal unless Republicans secure comprehensive concessions to address the influx of migrants.
Senator James Lankford (Okla), the leading GOP negotiator on the border deal, swiftly responded to Johnson’s criticism.
Lankford expressed confusion over Johnson’s assessment, pointing out that the proposed legislation includes provisions for border wall construction, expanded deportation flights, increased ICE and border patrol personnel, enhanced detention capabilities, streamlined deportation processes, and rectification of long-standing asylum law issues.
Lankford indicated a need for further clarification on Johnson’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive review of the bill’s text.
