President Joe Biden’s $106 billion national security request is in big trouble on Capitol Hill.
Even before it hits the leaderless House, Senate GOP divisions are threatening to sink the proposal — or dramatically reshape it. Republicans are split over whether to link Israel and Ukraine aid, with many also pushing for big border policy changes and blanching at the price tag.
Even some GOP supporters of the efforts’ four priorities — Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and the Southern border — are uncharacteristically pessimistic after the party’s first discussion about the legislation at Tuesday’s lunch.
“The package that the White House sent over really is dead,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). “The appropriators in the Senate can begin by basically starting over.”
Democrats hold the keys to the Senate, but they’ll need nine or more Republican votes to get anything through the chamber. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stumped over the weekend for a generous aid package but said his members have “passion” for stronger border security: “And we’re going to make other changes as well.”