Bipartisan border security bill fails again after Republicans shoot down measure on key election issue

A bipartisan piece of immigration and border security legislation died again on the Senate floor on Thursday after Republicans blocked a bill meant to clamp down on the number of migrants allowed to claim asylum at the US-Mexico border.

The legislation is now dead for a second time after failing a procedural vote with 42 Democrats and one Republican voting in favor of considering the bill; and six Democrats, one independent and 42 Republicans voting against.

The bill, negotiated by a bipartisan group of senators, was already rejected by most Republicans in February when it was linked to a foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other US allies. Had it passed, it would have provided the US president with the authority to shut down the asylum system if unauthorized border crossings reached a certain monthly threshold. It would also have tightened standards for asylum-seekers and empowered federal officials to quickly remove those who did not qualify.

The bill had initially seemed set up for success but quickly collapsed after Donald Trump and his cadre of loyalists in the House and Senate GOP came out against it. Mr Trump was reportedly apoplectic over Republicans joining with Democrats on one of his key campaign issues.

Now, with immigration and border security one of the top issues of the 2024 election, Democrats are looking for an answer to the barrage of GOP attacks, led by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mr Trump.

The bill was brought up for vote again on Thursday after being introduced by Democrat Chris Murphy, an attempt by the White House and its allies to underscore Republicans’ failure to come to the table. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the GOP resistance to the bill following