Senate negotiators zero in on a border deal; House says pact too weak

More details emerged in the foundering Senate border deal, with the fresh features likely spelling the pact’s doom in the GOP-led House.

The latest particulars confirm those first reported by The Washington Times: The plan would automatically shutter the U.S./Mexico border once illegal border crossings hit 5,000 daily for a week.

If 5,000 daily continued, that would add up to 1.8 million migrants annually in what the Republicans call an invasion.

The Democrat-led Senate is trying to tie the deal to billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel.

Speaker Mike Johnson signaled on Friday that the border deal was likely “dead on arrival” in the House because it wouldn’t quell the flow of illegal immigrants.

The latest on the negotiations comes after Senate Republicans proclaimed earlier in the week that the deal was on life support following a push from former President Donald Trump calling on lawmakers to thwart anything short of a “perfect” deal.

Republicans have been dead set on seeing the House GOP’s marquee border bill, the Secure the Border Act, included in the Senate deal. That legislation includes the revival of Mr. Trump’s Remain in Mexico policy and an end to President Biden’s catch-and-release practices.

Meanwhile, Mr. Biden vowed he would get tough on border security if Congress gives him a bill.

“Securing the border through these negotiations is a win for America,” he said. “For everyone who is demanding tougher border control, this is the way to do it. If you’re serious about the border crisis, pass a bipartisan bill and I will sign it.”