Schumer Delays Senate Holiday Recess for Border-Ukraine Deal

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced today that the Senate will remain in session, delaying their scheduled holiday recess. The Senate will remain in the Capitol until next week to reach a deal on the U.S. border in order to pass a vote on funding Ukraine.

After Schumer met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, he made statements saying, “It was a very powerful meeting, President Zelensky made it so clear how he needs help, but if he gets the help he can win this war.… On the other hand, he made it clear and we all made it clear that if we lose, Putin wins and this will be very very dangerous for the United States.”

The Biden administration is asking the Senate to pass an aid package for Ukraine worth over $60 billion to fund their conflict with Russia.

Republicans are saying Schumer delaying the holiday recess is unnecessary. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said, “At this moment a deal by the end of the year is just not remotely possible.”

Schumer believes a deal on the border can be reached and justified delaying the Senate recess, saying, “If Republicans are serious about getting something done, they should not be eager to go home.”

The House of Representatives is expected to return to their districts today for holiday recess, and it is unlikely they will return next week to pass a bill if the Senate reaches a deal.