MNI POLITICAL RISK - GOP Links Border Security To Govt Funding

Executive Summary:

• Already fraught negotiations on an overhaul of US-Mexico border policy have been injected with a fresh layer of complexity when conservative House Republicans yesterday argued that enhanced border security could be tied to government funding.
• House Republicans have identified migration at the US-Mexico as a political vulnerability for Democrats ahead of a challenging election year - A dynamic which could imperil funding for Ukraine and increase the risk of a government shutdown.
• A series of incidents in the Middle East have introduced further volatility into the region. 13 countries yesterday issued a statement warning “consequences” if the Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to disrupt commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The US-led response to the Houthis could include military strikes on targets within Yemen.
• The Department of Commerce has announced a USD$162mln, “non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms,” with Microchip Technology Inc to boost production of specialty semiconductors deemed critical to supply chains and national security.
• Former President Donald Trump has locked down endorsements of the entire House Republican leadership team.
• China has named a new defence minister, clearing a significant hurdle for the resumption of military-to-military contact between Washington and Beijing.
• Poll of the Day: Deep partisan fissures weigh on the approval of key government officials.

Please find the full article attached below:

MNIPOLRISKUSDaily040124.pdf