Senator Manchin Upset by Snub on Border Security

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., strongly criticized the Senate for abandoning border security provisions after it passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill on Tuesday.

In a statement posted after a 70-29 vote following an all-night session — with 22 Republicans joining all but three members of the Democrat caucus — Manchin demanded action on the border.

“While I’m pleased the Senate came together to pass bipartisan aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, I’m extremely disappointed that the legislation excludes essential provisions to shut down the southern border and send a clear message to the world that if you come here illegally, you will be sent home,” Manchin stated.

“We owe it to the 18,000 men and women of the Border Patrol Union to keep working to pass this bill, and I intend to do just that.”

But he lauded the legislation for upholding its commitments to Ukraine and Israel, both of which are involved in wars.

“As the superpower of the world, we cannot abandon our allies,” Manchin said.

“The United States Senate’s bipartisan national security package advances America’s interests both on the world stage and right here at home. It’s a commitment to help Ukraine fight against Putin’s unprovoked invasion and send a powerful signal to all our NATO allies, especially those along the Russian border, that we will stand strong to defend democracy.

“We are also making a commitment to support Israel following Hamas’ unprecedented terrorist attack.”

Manchin added: “It’s a commitment to rebuilding our own defense industrial base. I am proud to vote for peace and stability over tyranny and authoritarianism, and I urge my colleagues in the House to take up and pass this bipartisan package as quickly as possible.”

The new bill faces a challenge in the House, where GOP leadership has pressed for action on the border — and been skeptical about addition funding for Ukraine, the Washington Examiner noted.

The Senate bill that included border provisions had been negotiated by a bipartisan group for four months but fell apart after a majority of the Senate GOP opposed to it — and House GOP leadership warned it would be “dead on arrival.”