In a critical development in the Senate, intense negotiations are taking place over whether to proceed with a $95.3 billion foreign aid package without including the border provisions that were rejected by Republicans. Senators from both parties are engaged in urgent talks to potentially reach an agreement that would allow the Senate to open up debate on the aid package. However, GOP senators are insisting on an agreement that would permit the Senate to vote on their proposed amendments to the package. This process could potentially take many hours, as all 100 senators would need to sign off on the time agreement.
As of now, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has left the vote on the floor open to begin the process of considering the bill. However, the vote has been ongoing for nearly two hours, and the next step would be for the Senate to vote on overcoming a filibuster in order to formally open up debate. This crucial vote would require 60 votes to proceed, but there are currently not enough Republicans willing to advance the bill until an agreement over their amendments is reached.
The outcome of these negotiations and the willingness of Republicans to reach a compromise on their proposed amendments will ultimately determine the fate of the aid package. With both parties at a standoff over the inclusion of border provisions, the Senate faces a challenging and potentially drawn-out process in deciding the next steps for the foreign aid bill.