Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has advised Republicans to vote against a bipartisan bill concerning border security and foreign aid, a measure that has faced strong opposition from former President Donald Trump. Despite expressing support for the $118 billion package, which entails providing military assistance to countries such as Ukraine and Israel while bolstering border protection measures, McConnell reportedly urged Senate Republicans not to endorse the bill in an upcoming vote on Wednesday, as per reports from the Associated Press and Politico.
Former President Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the bill, which is backed by President Joe Biden. In various public statements, including an appearance on The Dan Bongino Show, Trump has characterized the package as a “gift to the Democrats,” suggesting that they aim to leverage it for political advantage in future elections by attributing blame to Republicans for perceived failures in border security.
Numerous other prominent Republicans, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have also voiced their opposition to the border and foreign aid agreement, which has been under negotiation for several months. With McConnell refraining from rallying Senate Republicans to support the bill during Wednesday’s vote, the fate of the package has grown increasingly uncertain.
Requests for comment regarding McConnell’s stance on the matter have been made to his office via email, though there has been no response at the time of reporting.