- The $118 billion bipartisan bill proposed by the United States Senate, set for an initial vote on Wednesday, faces criticism for its failure to include a pathway to citizenship for the approximately 11 million undocumented individuals, including “Dreamers.”
- The allocation of $14.1 billion in security assistance for Israel within the bill has ignited controversy, with critics arguing that the substantial aid package fails to address concerns about Israel’s genocidal and criminal actions in Palestine.
In a significant legislative move, the United States Senate unveiled a comprehensive $118 billion bipartisan bill on Sunday, addressing issues ranging from border security to providing aid for Ukraine and Israel. The proposed legislation, set for an initial vote on Wednesday, represents a culmination of months of negotiations, yet faces uncertainties due to opposition from Donald Trump and hardline Republicans.
The bill, touted as the most significant change in U.S. immigration and border security in decades, allocates $20.23 billion specifically for enhancing border security measures.
Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema emphasized that the legislation aims to secure the U.S. southern border by implementing measures such as temporarily “shutting down” the frontier to most migrants if daily crossing attempts exceed 5,000 over seven days.
However, the bill has garnered criticism from progressive Democrats who lament its failure to include a pathway to citizenship for the approximately 11 million undocumented individuals in the United States, including “Dreamers” brought into the country as children.
The legislative package extends beyond domestic concerns, earmarking $60.06 billion to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. Additionally, it allocates $14.1 billion in security assistance for Israel, $2.44 billion for U.S. Central Command and addressing conflicts in the Red Sea, and $4.83 billion to support U.S. partners in the Indo-Pacific, primarily Taiwan, facing aggression from China.
A significant aspect of the bill involves allocating an additional $10 billion for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, Gaza, and the West Bank. However, it is crucial to note that there is a provision restricting these funds from being directed to the U.N. agency for Palestinians, UNRWA. This restriction stems from allegations of staff involvement with Hamas, though these claims have not been substantiated. Many have perceived this move as a last-ditch effort for Biden to recapture Arab and Muslim American voters ahead of the 2024 election, but critics argue he has lost this segment forever.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, expressing the urgency of the bill, stated, “The priorities in this bill are too important to ignore and too vital to allow politics to get in the way.” Schumer added that the proposed legislation addresses multiple complex challenges faced by the United States and its allies, emphasizing the need to strengthen democracy in the face of global authoritarian threats.
The allocation of $14.1 billion in security assistance for Israel within the bill has sparked controversy, prompting a closer examination of the U.S.’s financial support for the nation. Critics argue that the substantial aid package fails to address Israel’s genocidal and criminal actions in Palestine, and there are calls for more stringent conditions on military assistance.
Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, has specifically called for the removal of $10 billion earmarked for offensive weaponry while maintaining funds for defensive systems. This critique highlights concerns about the potential misuse of U.S. aid in contributing to offensive military actions rather than prioritizing a peaceful resolution to regional conflicts.
The overseas security provisions of the bill closely align with the requests made by President Joe Biden to Congress in October. However, these requests have been stalled by House Republicans linking them to a shift in immigration policy. Nevertheless, House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to hold a separate vote on a $17.6 billion bill for military assistance to Israel, lacking new funding for Ukraine and U.S. border security.
Despite bipartisan efforts, the bill faces opposition from right-wing Republicans, with House leader Steve Scalise declaring that it “will NOT receive a vote in the House.” Criticisms include concerns about accepting 5,000 illegal immigrants per day and providing automatic work permits to asylum recipients, seen as potential magnets for increased illegal immigration.
With immigration ranking as the second-largest concern for Americans, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, the bill’s proponents argue that it would end the controversial “catch-and-release” practice, speeding up asylum case adjudication to discourage prolonged stays in the U.S. for apprehended migrants.
While Senate negotiations have been supported by top Republican Mitch McConnell, skepticism and opposition persist among various factions in both the Senate and the House.
