Murphy says border talks 'largely done,' signaling potential final phase

Bipartisan border talks are “largely done” and have advanced to the Senate Appropriations Committee — signaling talks are entering a potential final phase — according to lead Democratic negotiator Sen. Chris Murphy. “Our work is largely done,” Murphy (D-Conn.) said. “The conversation has really moved over to Appropriations. So, there's no reason why we couldn't begin consideration this week." Murphy said bill text is not yet finalized, but noted "we need to give people the ability to read and understand" the deal before a vote. He added that both caucuses have already been briefed "on the outlines of what we have agreed upon." Senators will want time to review the bill and potentially propose amendments, but the process for that will ultimately be up to leadership. The language from Murphy is among the most optimistic negotiators have used in weeks — with Murphy and fellow negotiators Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) looking to find some degree of compromise on the complex issue of immigration. Republicans conditioned further aid to Ukraine on the inclusion of border policy changes as part of the White House $106 billion national security supplemental request. Presidential parole authority has been the main lingering issue in talks, with Democrats arguing parole is a key tool for managing migration at the southern border. Asked if talks moving on to the Senate Appropriations Committee signals that parole issues have been worked out between negotiators, Murphy reemphasized that “the work now” is in Appropriations. Senate leadership last week signaled interest in moving the supplemental this week — meaning there’s at least some degree of expectation that the border talks will be wrapped up soon. But to be sure, the talks have already blown past multiple deadlines, and the spending component of the border will still be challenging because of ties to any potential policy changes. Negotiators have considered a wide array of potential changes as part of the talks, including restricting asylum and parole, expanding expulsion authority and implementing a cap on daily entries. Burgess Everett contributed to this report. Lead Art: Sen. Chris Murphy speaks with reporters at the Capitol on Dec. 11, 2023. | Francis Chung/POLITICO Continue on to view the day's latest updates Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol. 1 DAY AGO Senate GOP's remaining presidential primary fence-sitters not counting Haley out yet “Statistically, it’s a steep hill," unaligned Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said of Haley. "I have tremendous respect for Nikki. She’d make a good president.” Burgess Everett BURGESS EVERETT 01/22/2024, 6:44PM ET Senate Republicans won’t get the free-for-all GOP presidential primary they predicted (or hoped for). Some still aren’t ready for it to be over. As the primary boils down to former President Donald Trump against former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, some still-on-the-fence Republicans said Monday that Haley should keep going and give the party a choice against Trump. Haley has no official Senate endorsements while Trump has 27 — more than half the conference — but that doesn’t mean she lacks fans. “She’s great … and I’m really proud of her. I think it’s good to have that discussion and highlight the different candidates. So, I’d love to see her stay in,” said Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), the No. 4 GOP leader, who is officially neutral even after Trump won her state's caucus. Haley’s showing in New Hampshire's Tuesday primary will cast a shadow the following weeks leading up to South Carolina, with one question on most Republican minds: Is there any appetite for a one-on-one primary battle with Trump, or is the whole thing over already? There are 22 unaffiliated GOP senators, ranging from Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to rank-and-file members. If Haley is crushed, some of them will are likely to swing around to Trump quickly. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she hopes Haley will stay in the race, “but obviously it’s going to depend on what the margin is tomorrow ... I hope she does very well.” Collins, who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial, stayed neutral in the 2024 primary because she had many friends in the race at the outset. “They’ve got to look at the data and look at the path and make the decision that’s right for her,” unaligned Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said of Haley. “Statistically, it’s a steep hill. I have tremendous respect for Nikki. She’d make a good president.” A couple other senators, Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota and Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer simply said they needed to see what happens in New Hampshire before commenting. Another neutral senator said it’s pretty much over either way. “The handwriting is on the wall,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who said he will support the eventual GOP nominee. “The sooner we can unify behind a single candidate the better our chances of beating President Biden, which I think is the ultimate objective.” Even some of those who desperately want to beat Trump aren’t seeing much of a path. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) said that Haley has "run a very effective campaign, but what was once a long shot has become a very long shot.” And what about an endorsement from New Hampshire's 2012 primary winner? “I’m not going to curse her with that pronouncement,” Romney said. “But I won’t be supporting President Trump.” For more information, visit us at https://www.beverlyhillsimmigrationlaw.com/.