US Senate passes package on border measures and support for Ukraine

In the US, the Democratic and Republican leaders of the Senate have offered a multibillion-dollar package that includes support for Ukraine and Israel and tougher measures at US borders. However, it remains to be seen whether that package can convince a majority in American politics.

The package includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, and $20 billion for measures to maintain security along the U.S. border. The package also includes $10 billion in humanitarian aid for people in conflict zones such as the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Ukraine. The $118 billion package was negotiated for months.

The proposal says the border would be temporarily closed if an average of more than 5,000 people try to enter the United States in a week. People are then sent back to Mexico without being able to claim asylum. Also, asylum rules are becoming stricter. The border measures are a condition for Republicans to agree to US military aid to Ukraine.

It is highly uncertain whether the package has adequate support. There is opposition from both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate. The package will be handled for the first time and last on Wednesday. After that, where there is great opposition, the House of Representatives must also agree. According to the Republican leader in the House, the proposal has no chance before a vote. Also, Donald Trump, the most likely Republican presidential nominee and an influential figure within the party, is against it.

Schumer, the Democratic Senate leader, says Ukraine desperately needs the money. Without support, he said, Russia “could wipe out Ukraine and even Eastern Europe.” Republican leader McConnell also says the Senate “must be prepared to act.” But other Republicans say they will vote against the asylum and border measures because they don't think they do enough.

There has been criticism among Democrats of a more stringent asylum policy and lack of action to grant status to the eleven million undocumented immigrants in the United States.

President Biden has called on the parties to adopt the package so that all measures can begin as soon as possible.