Senate Republicans express optimism over ongoing bipartisan discussions on border security, finding a glimmer of hope as the White House shows openness to implementing a rule allowing the expulsion of migrants during overwhelming border crossings and asylum claims.
Optimism
Senate Republican Whip John Thune sees a positive shift in attitude, stating, “There’s at least one key area where I think they have come to the table and recognized that we’ve got to have a way of turning things off down there when we can’t handle it. But it’s still being worked on. There are still conversations going on.”
Even Democratic negotiators are upbeat about the recent progress in the previously slow-moving negotiations.
“I think we’re closer today than we were yesterday,” Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet asserted.
Expulsion authority
A pivotal breakthrough in the talks revolves around an expulsion authority, reminiscent of the Title 42 authority implemented during the pandemic.
This authority would enable the turning away of migrants without processing their asylum claims.
The current discussions are exploring tying the expulsion authority to the Department of Homeland Security’s capacity to process and detain migrants at the border until their asylum claims can be heard.
Senator Kevin Cramer emphasized the importance of having an enforcement discipline that does not rely on a lawless president to obey and enforce the law.
Despite the challenges, Cramer is openly expressing optimism, “That’s going to always be a challenge, but we can get there.”
Holding the key
These border policy talks hold the key to unlocking GOP votes for a $111 billion foreign aid and border funding package.
Notably, Republicans are leveraging approximately $60 billion in aid to secure the border and migration policy restrictions they have long sought.
The ongoing negotiations reflect a critical juncture in addressing pressing national issues and finding common ground across party lines.