WASHINGTON, DC (BRPROUD) — A battle continues in Congress over reaching a deal on a border security package and foreign aid funding. Meanwhile, the governor of Louisiana is trying to help Texas with its illegal immigration problem.
Congress is deadlocked on how to fund aid to Ukraine and Israel while tackling security on the southern border. The $118 billion plan has been in the works for several weeks. Republicans in the House and Senate had said they would not vote for aid to Ukraine without major border security reforms. This bipartisan plan was developed, although the Biden administration was not going to give them everything they wanted.
“We know all the problems. We know that communities are overwhelmed and flooded, from deep blue cities to rural communities. Every state is a border state,” said Mike. Chairman Johnson said.
Speaker Mike Johnson said the bill would be “killed on arrival” if it passes the Senate. Former President Trump recently said he would not support the bill. This swayed support on the House side. Sen. Bill Cassidy said he wasn't surprised this happened and said it's part of the political process.
“Even the authors of the border provisions still support good policy, but recognize that it needs more time to be discussed, understood and amended,” Cassidy said.
Cassidy voted against the bill, saying he wanted more time to debate and amend it. Sen. John Kennedy also expressed his opposition to X, saying, “The border bill is as dead as Woodrow Wilson.” I will vote against this agreement if the Senate formally rejects it today. ”
Back in Louisiana, Governor Jeff Landry expressed interest in sending the Louisiana National Guard to the Texas-Mexico border to help with security.
“We're going to come back and ask our legislative leadership to find the agency we need to send the National Guard here to support the state of Texas,” Landry said in a video posted during a visit to the border over the weekend. ” he said.
Asked if he supported the move, Cassidy said something needs to be done, but that the cost could hit taxpayers on top of the cost to the state of a newly closed primary system. He said there is.
“I understand the urge to help with border control. I can see Louisiana taxpayers saying, 'Wait, this is $3 million on top of $135 million.' They want to spend money on roads and bridges, more police and better schools,” Cassidy said.
Governor Landry will hold a press conference about his border visit on Thursday.
