By Josh Wingrove, Billy House and Erik Wasson
President Joe Biden and House Speaker Mike Johnson will try during a crucial White House meeting to break a months-long stalemate over US border policies that has delayed funding for Ukraine and Israel.
Wednesday’s sit-down, the first in-person meeting between Biden and congressional leaders in months, comes as Republicans demand a crackdown at the US-Mexico border in exchange for supporting the president’s $110 billion emergency spending request.
The standoff carries high stakes for the US’s global standing, as well as political implications for Biden and Johnson.
For Biden, a border deal could help neutralize one of his biggest political weaknesses ahead of the 2024 election. Voters want tighter restrictions on undocumented migrants and rank Biden’s handling of the issue poorly, polls show.
Johnson, meanwhile, is pushing border policies favored by conservatives as he tries to quell a GOP rebellion amid continued threats to his speakership. Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene told reporters Wednesday she would move for a vote to oust Johnson if he approves more Ukraine funding.
“Border, border, border,” Johnson said Wednesday of any deal on Ukraine. “We have to secure our own house.”
Biden has repeatedly said he’ll compromise on border policy, but has not specified any concessions. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has discussed policies making it harder for migrants to seek asylum in the US, which the White House has suggested it could consider.
“I remain hopeful that things are going in the right direction,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who will join the meeting, said Wednesday. “President Biden has made clear he is willing to work with Republicans on border security.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, another invitee, told reporters he anticipates a supplemental package with Ukraine assistance will be on the floor of the chamber next week.
Some Republicans…
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