WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and congressional leaders convened at the White House on Wednesday as the Senate moved closer to a bipartisan immigration deal that would also provide crucial military aid to Ukraine. The meeting generated optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressing confidence that it could come together soon.
Schumer stated, “We are closer than we have ever been. For the first time, I think the chances of getting it done in the Senate are greater than not getting it done.” Senator Chris Murphy, a key Democratic negotiator, echoed this sentiment, saying, “I feel like we’re there.” However, he also acknowledged the slow progress in the past and cautioned against premature celebrations.
The meeting, described as “productive” by House Speaker Mike Johnson, focused heavily on the need for substantive policy changes at the border. House conservatives, who had previously pushed for their own Republican-only border bill, appeared more flexible after the meeting. Johnson emphasized the importance of meaningful elements in any legislation related to immigration and border security.
The discussions also touched on Ukraine funding and aid for other countries like Israel and Taiwan. McConnell projected that the Senate would vote on the emerging immigration package next week. However, it remains unclear what will happen after the Senate vote, as House members were not directly involved in the negotiations between senators and administration officials.
While Johnson had previously dismissed the Senate’s immigration deal, he acknowledged that comprehensive immigration reform is a complicated process that cannot be rushed. One potential option is for the House and Senate to convene in a conference and assign negotiators from each chamber to work on a compromise regarding immigration and border security.
Wednesday’s meeting marked the first formal gathering between President Biden and House Speaker Johnson. With other pressing matters also on the table, such as passing a short-term stopgap measure to avoid a government shutdown and extend the time to pass appropriations bills, the meeting carried significant weight. Attendees included House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic and Republican leaders from several major House and Senate committees, and top administration officials.
Overall, the participants expressed satisfaction with the meeting, highlighting areas of agreement and the shared recognition of the importance of addressing immigration and providing aid to Ukraine. Despite the progress made, challenges remain in finalizing the text and resolving remaining issues related to America’s complex immigration statutes.