Border aid bill faces standoff in Congress over protections

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is at a standoff over a $4.6 billion aid package for the southern border as House Democrats say a Senate-passed measure doesn't go far enough to care for thousands of migrant families and children.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi is considering a fresh vote today.

"We're not making predictions, threats, or anything else. We're just saying this is a moral imperative for us to do the right thing for the children," Pelosi said this morning.

Democrats want to add more protections for the children – including medical and hygiene standards at facilities, and a requirement that any death of a minor be reported within 24 hours. Democratic leaders convened early today, and Pelosi's spokesman says they plan to push the amended measure through the House quickly. The White House said it opposes changes planned by the Democrats.

It's a risky stalemate over a border crisis that has captured global attention amid unsettling reports of gruesome conditions at federal facilities and the deaths of migrants and children. The funding is urgently needed to prevent the humanitarian emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border from worsening. Money runs out in a matter of days.

The GOP-led Senate on Wednesday passed a bipartisan $4.6 billion measure on a sweeping 84-8 vote. Approval came less than 24 hours after the Democratic-controlled House approved a similar measure backed by liberals. The House bill, which contained tougher requirements for how detained children must be treated, faced a White House veto threat and was easily rejected by the Senate.

Pelosi called President Donald Trump before he departed for the G-20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, with an appeal to make changes. Trump seemed open, but it's unclear if the Senate will accept any amendments without assurances from the White House that Trump will sign the measure into law. Both chambers are racing the clock to come to an agreement before leaving town for a weeklong recess.

Trump said passing the legislation was urgent. "We are moving along very well with a bipartisan bill in the Senate," he said. "It's very far along and I believe the House is also going to also be getting together with the Senate to get something done. It's humanitarian aid. It's very important."

Republicans and the White House far prefer the Senate measure, but Pelosi is pressing for quick resolution – promising that Democrats won't knuckle under. Asked ahead of voting if the House would pass the Senate bill and send it to Trump, Pelosi said, "No."