White House Accuses GOP of Siding with Fentanyl Traffickers Over Border Deal as Senate Vote Looms

In a scathing accusation, the White House has criticized congressional Republicans for allegedly supporting fentanyl traffickers by opposing a bipartisan border deal. The bill, which failed to pass in February, is set to face another vote in the Senate, where it is expected to encounter strong opposition from GOP members. The legislation seeks to provide funding for border operations and enforces measures to curb entries into the United States when encounters reach a certain threshold.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has revealed his plan to bring the bill to the Senate floor again, emphasizing the inclusion of a new temporary emergency border authority that mandates expulsions of migrants when daily migration levels exceed 5,000 over a seven-day rolling average. The bill also aims to streamline the asylum process, provide additional work permits for asylum seekers, and allocate resources to strengthen border staffing.

Conservatives have rejected the bill, arguing that it fails to adequately address the issue of illegal immigration, and instead would solidify existing high levels of unauthorized border crossings. The Biden administration, on the other hand, continues to support the legislation, asserting that it will enhance border security efforts and combat the ongoing border crisis. The administration accuses Republicans of rejecting the bill for political reasons.

In a memo obtained by Fox News Digital, Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates emphasized President Biden's priority to combat the influx of fentanyl. Bates claimed that the legislation would play a significant role in curbing the smuggling of the deadly drug into the United States. The bill's provisions to fund 100 fentanyl detection machines at the border were specifically highlighted.

The White House press secretary's memo suggested that many provisions of the bill were endorsed by the Border Patrol Union during its unveiling, including the support of Republican Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma. However, it remains uncertain whether Lankford will continue to back the bill in the upcoming vote.

Bates contended that Republicans opposed the bill solely for political reasons and under pressure from former President Donald Trump. He urged Republicans to prioritize the fight against fentanyl trafficking and the protection of American lives over politics. The vote in the Senate has now been scheduled for later this week.

Republicans, united against the bill, refute the claims that their opposition stems from political motivations. They argue that the legislation would not effectively secure the border but instead exacerbate the existing crisis. Several Republican senators, including Ron Johnson and Mike Lee, have voiced their dissent and reiterated their belief that the bill would do little to address border security.

Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and Republican conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, issued a statement criticizing Senate Leader Schumer's decision to bring the bill to a vote again. They called for the passage of border security legislation already approved by the House, which includes provisions for continued border wall funding and the cessation of parole processes into the United States.

As the Senate vote draws near, the debate between the White House and congressional Republicans intensifies, with both sides aiming to sway public opinion on the proposed bipartisan border deal.

Note: This article is a revision based on the information provided and does not contain any additional information.