House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) disclosed on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he has not received a briefing on the ongoing bipartisan Senate border negotiations. Johnson highlighted his early attempts to involve the House in these discussions, requesting to send House committee chairmen to participate, but was rebuffed by Senate leadership. Instead, he was informally promised something “palatable,” though he remains skeptical based on current updates.

Johnson reiterated his support for “functional equivalence” to H.R. 2, a comprehensive bill passed by the GOP-majority House last year, aimed at tightening asylum processes and enhancing surveillance to control regional migration and undocumented residents. This bill faces strong opposition from Democrats, prompting Senate efforts to craft a compromise that could also facilitate aid for Ukraine.

With the Senate’s two-week recess approaching, the urgency to finalize a border security agreement increases, yet significant challenges remain. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) expressed doubts about reaching a deal before the break, suggesting a need for alternative approaches if H.R. 2 cannot advance in the Senate.

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