President Joe Biden signaled that a potential agreement on Ukraine aid could be reached with Republican lawmakers. The remarks were made during a conference that included mayors from major US cities, according to reports from a state media outlet.
The administration indicated that any deal might be reached as early as the coming week, but with a caveat: action would occur in the Senate rather than the House of Representatives.
Biden stated that his team had spent weeks negotiating with a bipartisan group of senators to secure a package that also addresses border policy. He stressed the need for substantial changes at the border, including reforms to how asylum is handled, to ensure a sustainable approach to migration alongside security and fiscal considerations.
Former President Donald Trump, representing the Republican stance, argued that a compromise on Ukraine aid should not be rushed. He emphasized that relief for Ukraine should be contingent on achieving a broader border agreement that would curb unauthorized entry into the United States.
Trump described the border as a critical priority and suggested that any aid package would be paired with stricter border controls and limits on migrant flow along the southern border, aiming to reduce what he called an invasion of illegal crossings.
Trump also referenced House Speaker Mike Johnson, predicting that he would push for a border deal aligned with the Biden administration in a manner that secures stronger entry rules. The described framework reportedly involved approving a substantial tranche of aid for Ukraine while tying it to enforcement measures and quotas at the southern border.
In his comments, Biden acknowledged the risks and warned of the potential for setbacks, including possible shortcomings in the effort to provide assistance to Ukraine. The officials noted the complexity of aligning national security goals, international commitments, and domestic policy reforms in a single package. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader debate in Washington about how to balance allied support with national priorities and border management. (Source: Reuters)