U.S. House lawmakers are preparing to handle an $886 billion defense spending bill, fondly named the NDAA, that recently passed the Senate. The NDAA requires annual reauthorization by Congress and encompasses pivotal aspects affecting the nation's military readiness and the lives of those in military service.
The new bill comes bearing gifts as it includes the most significant pay raise for service members in over two decades. Once the House gives the nod to this bill, lawmakers are expected to break for the holidays.
However, swirling amidst the holiday spirit are unresolved matters which include the need for additional funding for Ukraine and Israel. These burning issues are marooned in a relentless struggle over U.S. border policy.
The White House has reported progress in its long-stalled negotiations. A willingness to make significant border concessions has surfaced, much to the concern of the President's allies. At the crux of these contentious issues stands firm the border policy.
Reportedly, the White House is open to the inclusion of expulsion authority. This measure implies the expulsion of migrants without granting them the chance to seek asylum, heightening the 'credible fears' standard for asylum seekers, escalating deportations, and broadening the detention of immigrants. These measures ring an unpleasant bell for Democrats, reminding them of policies they critiqued during the Trump administration.
Noteworthy is Democratic Senator Chris Murphy's recent optimism regarding ongoing talks. While he acknowledged the complexity of the laws under discussion, Murphy insisted there is no reason the matter cannot be resolved by the end of the year.
However, there remain points of contention. These include the 'humanitarian parole', a frequently invoked measure by the White House that allows some immigrants to reside in the U.S. As the year draws to a close, the pertinent task on the lawmakers' agenda involves surmounting these challenges and pressing negotiations on.
