January 18 Politics

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Ukraine Aid and Border Security

There are ongoing negotiations in Congress over a funding package that includes aid to Ukraine, border security, and other international concerns. President Biden and bipartisan congressional leaders are pressuring Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to accept a deal on Ukraine funding and border security. National security experts have briefed Johnson on the urgent situation in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for Congress to act to support national security

Despite the pressure, Johnson remains skeptical, particularly about an open-ended commitment to Ukraine and insists that border security must be a top priority. He has criticized a Senate border security deal and called for more time for talks to play out, advocating for H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, which has already passed the House without Democratic support. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has stated that this bill is a “non-starter” in the Senate

Senate leaders are confident about finalizing a Ukraine funding and border security package but acknowledge uncertainty about its passage in the House. McConnell expects the national security emergency spending package to reach the Senate floor soon, but the outcome in the House remains unclear

Political Dynamics and the 2024 Election

Biden’s approval ratings are down, while former President Trump’s approval ratings are up, and Trump is leading in swing states.  There are also contrary arguments about the potential for a Biden win. Potential impacts of a Trump win, including concerns about NATO collapse, Russian aggression, trade collapse, and potential negative effects on the economy and climate.

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