In a race against time, senators are working diligently to release a highly-anticipated bill that combines border enforcement policy with much-needed wartime aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. allies. This effort aims to achieve President Joe Biden's foreign policy goal of resupplying Ukraine with crucial support, but it faces an uphill battle against Republican skepticism, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The proposal represents the best opportunity for Biden, as it is supported by both the Senate's top Democrat, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and top Republican, Sen. Mitch McConnell. A key test vote on the legislation is expected to take place this week, but it is already encountering strong opposition from conservatives who remain skeptical of its effectiveness.

The urgency for such a bill arises from the current stalemate in Congress, which has hindered the approval of tens of billions of dollars in Ukraine aid. Consequently, the United States has paused shipments of ammunition and missiles to Kyiv, leaving Ukrainian soldiers underequipped as they face Russia's invasion.

To overcome resistance from House Republicans, McConnell insisted on including changes to border policy in the national security funding package. This would entail an overhaul of the asylum system, introducing quicker and tougher enforcement measures. Additionally, it would grant presidents new powers to expel migrants if the authorities become overwhelmed by the influx of asylum seekers.

Surprisingly, Biden and many Democrats have embraced the concept of stricter border enforcement, a shift in immigration policy compared to previous years. However, Donald Trump and his allies criticize the proposed measures as inadequate, arguing that presidents already possess sufficient authority to curb illegal border crossings. This disagreement ensures that immigration will remain a prominent issue in the upcoming presidential election.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, revealed in an interview that he attempted to involve House Republicans in the Senate's negotiation but was met with resistance. Although he remains unaware of the bill's details, Johnson insists that the solution to border problems should stem from hardline immigration measures proposed by the House.

Furthermore, in a clear indication of his resistance to the Senate package, Johnson announced that the House will vote on a separate $17.6 billion military aid package for Israel. This move allows House Republicans to demonstrate their support for Israel independently from the Senate deal.

Nonetheless, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent who played a key role in negotiating the border proposal, expressed confidence in the legislation. She stated that it would present a realistic and pragmatic solution to the border crisis, asserting that it is the strongest she has witnessed in her lifetime.

The border proposal, which took months to negotiate, aims to regain control over an overwhelmed asylum system grappling with record numbers of migrants. The bill proposes an overhaul of the system, incorporating stricter and faster enforcement measures. When the number of illegal border crossings exceeds 5,000 daily for a five-day average, an expulsion authority would trigger, returning migrants to Mexico without an opportunity to seek asylum. If the number reaches 4,000, presidential administrations would have the option to utilize the expulsion authority.

Referring to this authority, Biden has affirmed his intention to "shut down the border" as soon as the bill becomes law. The bill allocates $18.5 billion to immigration enforcement, including the recruitment of thousands of new officers to assess asylum claims, along with additional Border Patrol agents. Moreover, $1.4 billion will be designated for shelters and services in cities across the U.S. that have struggled to accommodate the influx of migrants.

The bill also introduces stricter and faster asylum evaluation processes. Initial interviews, known as credible fear screenings, would be heightened, ensuring that many applicants undergo these interviews within days of arriving at the border. Decisions on asylum claims would then be made within months, significantly reducing the lengthy waiting period that currently exists.

While some Democrats, particularly progressive and Hispanic lawmakers, express concern over the tougher asylum standards, final judgment is being withheld until the bill's text is disclosed. The contents of the bill have been closely guarded in the Capitol, leaving both parties waiting anxiously to review its provisions.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has indicated his potential support for the bill, emphasizing the need for more common sense and bipartisan cooperation in Washington, D.C., given the current period of divided government.

As senators finalized the border proposal on Friday, negotiations continued on other portions of the package, including aid for U.S. allies, investments in defense manufacturing capabilities, and humanitarian assistance for conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

However, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina hinted during an interview on "Fox News Sunday" that GOP senators would seek to slow down the progress of the bill in the Senate.

The fate of this comprehensive legislation lies in the ability of senators to overcome divisions and skepticism, as its release is impending.