During a recent Senate Democratic agenda briefing, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is calling for unity and bipartisanship as the Senate grapples with the National Security Supplemental, addressing critical issues ranging from border security to international crises.
The New York Democrat emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "We have too much on our plate — from securing our Southern border to aiding Israel, Gaza civilians, and standing with Ukraine. It's crucial that we rise to the occasion and find bipartisan compromise."
Senator Schumer highlighted the Democrats' dedication to bipartisanship, noting, "For months, we've been true to our word, working with Republicans on border security and reaching agreements on a vast range of issues."
However, the Senate Majority Leader expressed concern about opposition from the hard right-wing, stating, "It's unfortunate and deeply disturbing to hear those on the hard right trying to sink the bipartisan work happening here in the Senate."
He criticized the apparent shift in tone, saying, "The hypocrisy of calling the border broken and an emergency for months, and now when time is here to make meaningful change, their tones have changed."
Senator Schumer emphasized the urgency of the situation, connecting the security of the Southern border, Israel, Gaza civilians, Indo Pacific stability, and the survival of Ukraine to the need for bipartisan action through the National Security Supplemental.
"The matter here is simple," Schumer asserted, quoting Ukrainian President Zalinsky, "Ukraine will win the war against Russia if more aid is approved by Congress. If no more aid is approved, Putin will win. We dare not hand Eastern Europe over to Vladimir Putin."
Despite the challenges, Senator Schumer remains optimistic about progress, stating, "The work is not easy, it's very hard, but we keep making progress. We keep taking disagreements and turning them into agreements, and we remain committed to bipartisanship."
As the Senate continues to navigate these critical issues, Senator Schumer's call for unity underscores the importance of setting aside political interests for the greater good of national security.
Source Attribution: C-SPAN: Senate Democratic Agenda (January 31, 2024)