Barrasso comes out against Senate border deal

John Barrasso, the Senate’s No. 3 GOP leader, opposes the bipartisan border and Ukraine deal — the latest sign of the legislation’s grim prospects.

The Senate Republican conference chair said in a statement to POLITICO that unlike some of his colleagues who have process complaints, he opposes the underlying legislation. Barrasso said the deal “does not meet most Americans’ standard of securing our border now.”

“Joe Biden will never enforce any new law and refuses to use the tools he already has today to end this crisis. I cannot vote for this bill. Americans will turn to the upcoming election to end the border crisis,” Barrasso said.

Barrasso did defend Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) for negotiating the bill, but his opposition is just another stumbling block for the legislation, which is opposed by Speaker Mike Johnson and former President Donald Trump.

Barrasso, who has endorsed Trump in 2024, is widely seen as the most conservative member of top GOP leadership. He is also one of three Republicans in the mix to succeed Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The other two potential successors, Senate Minority Whip John Thune and Sen. John Cornyn, are both undecided on the border legislation.