The passing of a hefty $95 billion foreign aid package by the Senate has Texas Republicans at each other's throats, with the main recipients being Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bone of contention, particularly for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is the lack of attention to the crisis at the Texas-Mexico border. Paxton lambasted fellow Republican and U.S. Senator John Cornyn for defending borders abroad while neglecting America's own in a scalding social media post, as reported by CBS Austin.
Cornyn hit back quickly, alluding to Paxton's previous legal troubles, "Ken, your criminal defense lawyers are calling to suggest you spend less time pushing Russian propaganda and more time defending longstanding felony charges against you in Houston." This exchange comes amidst a fiery primary race in the Texas State, with the divide only deepening within the party lines. Paxton who was acquitted of corruption charges last year, still carries the brunt of criticism from his GOP colleagues, making it seem like his recent attacks are parts of a so-called "revenge tour," said James Henson, Director of the Texas Politics Project.
The prospects of the aid package in the U.S. House of Representatives remain uncertain, with conservatives pushing back against funds for other countries until the issue of border security is resolved. Speaker Mike Johnson has openly expressed his reluctance to bring the bill to the floor, pinning his focus on immediate appropriations deadlines, according to CNN.
While the Senate made their move, House discussions hinted at potential changes to the package, including reducing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in favor of military aid only, which could be more tenable for Republican members. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the Senate's action, confident that if the bill were presented in the House, it would pass with "strong bipartisan support." Democrats, on their part, are gearing up to exploit every legislative strategy available to them but are constrained by the House Speaker’s decision not to advance the bill as it stands.
