Republican Leaders Hint That US-Mexico Border Deal May Be Close

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) have both issued positive statements on the US-Mexico border policy talks ahead of today's high-profile meeting with President Biden at the White House.

• McConnell said moments ago: "Negotiators are making headway with the most significant border enhancements in almost 30 years... They're getting closer to delivering serious, lasting solutions to the unprecedented humanitarian and national security catastrophe that's unfolded on President Biden's watch. That's certainly good news."
• Johnson said after a GOP conference meeting this morning: “I don't think now is the time for comprehensive immigration reform because we know how complicated that is. I do think it's past time to secure the border.”
• Jake Sherman at Punchbowl News notes that Johnson told his conference in the closed-door meeting, "the party has a great opportunity to get some wins but people need to realize they won’t get everything they want."
• Johnson's comments are less bullish than McConnell's but could be interpreted as managing expectations amongst the conservative flank of his party ahead of a potential announcement.
• Successful negotiation of a border deal will have major implications for US foreign policy. Without a border deal, Johnson appears unlikely to consider Biden's USD$110 bln national security supplemental package which includes fresh funding for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific.
• Johnson also stated to reporters: “We need to know that Ukraine would not be another Afghanistan," suggesting that he is seeking further assurances from the administration on long-term strategy in Ukraine before approving new funds.