Washington — A high-ranking official from the White House has urged Republicans to compromise on border security measures that will gain support from Democrats, as time is running out for Congress to pass emergency funding for Ukraine.
Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, expressed her views on Sunday's episode of "Face the Nation", stating, "Negotiations fail when one side cannot accept a 'yes' as an answer. They demand too much."
She further added, "In a negotiation, you cannot have everything your way. Both Democrats and Republicans need to vote in favor of this bill. It is time to reach a compromise that satisfies both sides."
- Transcript: Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget, on "Face the Nation"
Due to Republicans' reluctance to assist Ukraine in its conflict with Russia without implementing stricter U.S.-Mexico border security measures, Congress has been unable to pass additional aid for Ukraine. Last week, the Senate rejected a bill that included aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other priorities. Republicans argued that the bill did not address the border crisis adequately, as illegal crossings have reached record highs over the past two years.
During a recent congressional hearing, a young representative expressed concern over the dwindling funding for Ukraine. She warned that if the funding runs out by the end of the year, it would severely impact Ukraine's ability to defend itself. She emphasized the importance of supporting allies like Ukraine while also maintaining U.S. national security.
The representative also highlighted the need for a policy decision regarding border security. She pointed out that the world has become more complex, and it is crucial to balance U.S. readiness and the protection of national security with supporting allies.
President Biden has shown openness to addressing border security, stating that he is willing to take significant action. However, a Republican senator involved in negotiations for a border deal criticized the Biden administration for not effectively addressing the issue. The senator claimed that the administration wants to slow down the influx of migrants rather than stop it entirely.
Illegal Border Crossings on the Rise, Says Oklahoma Senator
Oklahoma Senator James Lankford stated on "Face the Nation" that the number of illegal border crossings in the months of October, November, and December this year has already surpassed any year during the Obama administration. Lankford emphasized the need to address this issue and find ways to manage the influx of migrants.
Changes to Asylum Policy Needed
According to Lankford, changes to asylum policy are necessary as the United States is struggling to keep up with the processing of asylum claims. He stressed the importance of finding solutions to effectively manage the capacity and resources required to handle the situation.
Uncertainty Surrounding Immigration Legislation
Lankford expressed uncertainty regarding the passage of immigration bills in Congress. While a Republican-backed bill passed the House earlier this year, it did not receive any Democratic support and is unlikely to pass the Senate. Lankford mentioned that House Speaker Mike Johnson has not provided him with a clear position on the matter.
Despite the challenges, Lankford emphasized the need to take action rather than doing nothing. He acknowledged that compromises will need to be made and that Republicans may not achieve all their objectives.
Relationship Between Ukraine Aid and Border Funding
When asked about the possibility of passing Ukraine aid separately from border funding, Lankford stated that it would not be feasible. However, he acknowledged that Republicans may not be able to secure all their desired outcomes in negotiations.
"It is imperative that we prioritize American national security rather than getting involved in the national security of other countries," he stated firmly. "We must take decisive action and do whatever it takes to protect our nation. While we may not be able to address every issue at the border, we can certainly take measures to effectively control it."
