Two House Republicans are attempting to revive a bipartisan push for a bill that combines border security and foreign military funding. But coming just days after the last big attempt died spectacularly, they’re facing one big question: Why is this deal any different?
Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Don Bacon are aiming to attract members of both parties with a “bare bones” bill that doesn’t include humanitarian aid for Gaza, but instead matches border security with military assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, Fitzpatrick said. They released the bill text on Friday morning. It has eight backers, including Fitzpatrick and Bacon: Republicans Michael Lawler and Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Democrats Ed Case, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Jared Golden and Jim Costa. Fitzpatrick said several senators are on board, but would not share who. Many lawmakers knew little or nothing about it. And the approach is already drawing criticism from the left and right.
Some Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, insist the problem lies with President Joe Biden not taking executive action to address the border — not with Congress — and already rejected the Senate’s bipartisan plan. Some Democrats, meanwhile, are infuriated that the new deal doesn’t include any humanitarian aid and would revive former President Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy.