This week Senate negotiators proposed a bipartisan deal to address the situation at the U.S. – Mexico border. However, on Wednesday, the Senate encountered a roadblock as the bipartisan border and national security bill failed to move forward.

The vote margin was razor-thin, with 49 senators in favor and 50 opposed; 45 Democrats and four Republicans supported advancing the bill, falling short of the required 60 votes to initiate debate. The majority of the GOP caucus opposed the bill’s advancement, arguing that it inadequately addressed the escalating crisis at the US-Mexico border, where unauthorized crossings have surged to record levels. Additionally, five members of the Democratic caucus voted against the bill due to concerns over the severity of proposed border security measures and the allocation of funds for Israel’s military amidst ongoing conflicts, notably in Gaza. The proposed $118 billion bill included provisions granting the president new authority to close the border during periods of heightened crossings and expediting the asylum review process, potentially leading to expedited deportations. It also allocated $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine, $14 billion in security assistance for Israel, and $10 billion in humanitarian aid for civilians affected by conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and the West Bank.