McConnell Affirms Support for Border/Ukraine Bill Despite Trump’s Opposition

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stated on Thursday that he continues to support a border security bill linked to Ukraine funding, despite concerns over former President Donald Trump’s opposition to a border deal before the November election.

Politico reported that McConnell reassured members of his support during a closed-door party meeting on Thursday in an effort to dispel doubts about his commitment to the bipartisan border talks.

The former President, Trump, is urging Republicans to reject any border deal that does not include all the elements that Republicans have demanded, agreeing with other lawmakers that the bipartisan proposal falls short.

However, McConnell stated on Wednesday in a private meeting with Republicans, that Trump’s strong opposition to the bipartisan agreement was making the politics surrounding the bill complicated, according to The New York Times.

On Thursday, McConnell told reporters that “we’re trying to get an outcome,” and Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., added that the negotiations are at a “critical moment.”

McConnell has been a strong proponent of border-compromise legislation and supports the efforts to award Ukraine several billions of dollars in military aid. However, Republicans are calling for border security legislation to be tied to the Ukraine funding deal.

Republicans have differing opinions on the border deal, with some expressing skepticism, while others believe that support from Republican leaders is crucial in deciding the future of the bill.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said the border deal would likely be supported by a Republican majority if they voted with their conscience, but “there’s more to it than that,” as Trump’s position on the deal matters as both a past president and “more than likely the next president.”

Additionally, the article was written by Sandy Fitzgerald, a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.