(NewsNation) — A new border deal is in the works with Senate Democrats and Republicans reentering negotiations. But the legislation faces an uncertain future in a GOP-controlled House.
“We need to fix this situation once and for all and that means legislation,” said Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security during an interview on NewsNation’s “On Balance.”
Former President Donald Trump voiced strong opposition to the recent bipartisan border deal negotiated between Senate Republicans and Democrats, asserting that there is “zero chance” he will support what he called a “horrible open borders betrayal of America.”
The proposed deal has become a contentious issue, with House Speaker Mike Johnson echoing Trump’s sentiments on Twitter, labeling any border shutdown authority allowing even a single illegal crossing as a “non-starter” and deeming thousands of daily illegal entries as outrageous. Johnson insisted that the acceptable number must be reduced to zero.
In response to Trump’s criticism and concerns raised by fellow Republicans, President Joe Biden expressed his willingness to shut down the U.S.-Mexico border immediately if lawmakers can send him an immigration bill for his approval. The proposed deal would grant Biden emergency authority to close the border until the government can regain control of the situation.
Clarke argued that it is the responsibility of the United States Congress to provide the necessary legislation to address the crisis at the southern border. She urged her colleagues to prioritize governance over politics, emphasizing the urgency of a bipartisan solution.
Clarke criticized what she described as “political shenanigans” and emphasized the Senate’s role in making progress.
In a follow-up question, Clarke was confronted with her past statements during Trump’s presidency, where she expressed concern about immigration policies. She maintained that the focus should be on enacting lasting legislative solutions, dismissing temporary measures dependent on the president in office.