Washington [US], February 8: The US Senate is expected to vote on a $96 billion budget package on February 8, which includes foreign aid but does not include immigration issues.
Reuters reported on February 8 that Republican lawmakers in the US Senate blocked efforts to strengthen border security after months of negotiations, but said they could still approve aid to Ukraine and Israel that had previously been provided. integrated into the agreement.
With a vote of 49-50, the Senate did not pass a $118 billion budget package aimed at tightening immigration regulations as well as aid to Ukraine and Israel.
This agreement needs at least 60 votes in favor to pass, while the Democrats only have a 51-49 majority in the number of Senate seats.
For months, Republican lawmakers have insisted that any budget containing additional aid for Ukraine or Israel must also address the issue of illegal immigrants from the Mexican border.
Republican lawmakers quickly rejected the new proposal, even though it mentioned many of their priority issues. Former President Donald Trump, who pressured Republicans to reject any compromise, has called for tighter immigration regulations.
"Some people told me very clearly that they have political disagreements regarding the bill. They say this is not the time to let the presidential election resolve it," according to Republican senator James. Lankford, one of the negotiators.
The bill's failure to pass opens up the possibility of the Senate approving aid to allied countries. The Senate is expected to vote on a $96 billion budget package on February 8, which includes foreign aid issues, but does not include immigration issues.
An aide to Republican Senator Roger Wicker predicted that the foreign aid package would receive more than 60 votes in support.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
