US Senate rejects border bill combined with Ukraine aid

According to CNN news agency, the US Senate blocked the $118 billion border and national security bill, which included $60 billion in aid to Ukraine.

The bill was voted on in the Senate on February 7 local time, receiving 49 votes in favor and 51 against. The US Senate is currently controlled by the Democratic Party, but some Democratic senators voted against the bill.

Republicans have repeatedly said they will not support an aid package for US allies if the migrant crisis at the border is not resolved. House Speaker Mike Johnson has also said the House will not support the bill.

The bill includes sweeping changes to the country's asylum system and a mechanism to effectively close the border to most migrants when numbers are particularly high. Refugee rights groups have criticized the bill as containing "the most extreme anti-immigration proposals this country has seen in 100 years."

US House Speaker Mike Johnson. Photo: REUTERS

For months, the US Congress has been arguing over a deal to combat illegal immigration. Republican lawmakers want to boost border security in exchange for approving the White House's request for military aid to Ukraine.

Democrats say aid to allies is essential to supporting global democracy and affirming U.S. support. Republicans say excessive illegal immigration across the southern border with Mexico is a critical security concern.

SOUTH

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