For the second time in three months, an immigration and border security measure negotiated earlier this year by a bipartisan group of lawmakers failed to advance in the Senate, drawing the issue to a political stalemate,
ABC News reports.
The legislation fell well short of the 60 votes needed -- the final tally was 43 to 50 -- as nearly all Republicans voted against it.
The showdown vote came as both parties try to establish themselves as tough on border security ahead of the 2024 election.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced over the weekend plans to bring the legislation back up for a stand-alone vote, after it had earlier been tied to aid to Ukraine and Israel.
Schumer said Thursday's vote presented his colleagues of both parties with a chance to demonstrate whether they're serious about fixing the challenges on the southern border, though he pointedly criticized Republicans for previously blocking the legislation at the direction of former President Donald Trump.
"If Republicans were truly serious about calling the situation at the border an emergency, they shouldn't delay any longer. You can't call something an emergency one day and then suddenly kick the can down the road the next day," Schumer said in floor remarks.
"So, today, knowing that lesson, we need to try and work again together. We know our nation is stronger because of immigration. We know that the status quo with the southern border is unacceptable," he added. "So, to all those who have said for years we must act on the border, this is the chance to show you're serious about fixing the problem."
