Senate Majority Leader Chuck E. Schumer said negotiators can come to a deal on Ukraine and border security funding, even with those guided by former President Donald Trump.
Mr. Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday that a bipartisan deal is close, but “we are not there yet,” with negotiators “working through outstanding items.”
“There are many on the hard right who are trying desperately to kill these negotiations before they even finish. Many of them are motivated by naked partnership. Others are taking cues from Donald Trump,” the New York Democrat said. “They talk about the need to fix the border, but now they don’t actually want to see a bipartisan solution on the border, which is the only kind of solution, of course, that can pass.”
Last week, Mr. Trump warned against a border deal unless it includes “everything needed” to stop the influx of migrants.
“I do not think we should do a Border Deal, at all, unless we get EVERYTHING needed to shut down the INVASION of Millions & Millions of people, many from parts unknown, into our once great, but soon to be great again, Country!” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Also, I have no doubt our wonderful Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, will only make a deal that is PERFECT ON THE BORDER,” the former president wrote. “Remember, without Strong Borders and Honest Elections, we don’t have a Country!!!”
Mr. Schumer said he’s in “close touch” with his colleagues plus Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, and the White House.
“We’re all on the same page that we want to reach an agreement,” he said. “The president said he’s willing to work with Republicans in a big way on border security.”
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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