– We had some promising days. We have made more progress on the border than in the last few weeks. The work is not finished, but I am confident that we can do something significant a few days ago, Schumer said during his speech opening the first Senate meeting after the Christmas recess.
The politician was referring to ongoing negotiations between politicians from both parties on immigration reform, a condition set by Republicans to pass a package of $105 billion. Funds to help Ukraine, Israel, Indo-Pacific countries and border security.
Before the holiday break, Schumer and his Republican counterpart, Mitch McConnell, expressed hope that a deal could be reached once senators return to Washington.
End of Aid Funds for Ukraine. A new package is required
Adoption of a new aid package for Ukraine is necessary because the administration has run out of funds available to replenish weapons transferred to Ukraine. Schumer warned that while the agreement is closer than ever, finalizing the deal will not be easy and will require compromises.
Even if an agreement is reached in the Senate, it is not certain whether it will be accepted by the Republican-majority House of Representatives. According to a report by Punchbowl News, politicians from this party in the chamber are signaling that they will not agree to significant concessions and will try to tighten immigration restrictions if the bill passes the Senate.