Manchin slams Senate for adjourning without a funding package for U.S. border, Israel and Ukraine

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., slammed U.S. Senate leaders for adjourning without a funding package to support U.S. border security, Israel and Ukraine.

“We are facing a turning point in history—a sold-out Southern Border that is facing an unprecedented number of migrants flowing through every day and two of our most important allies are fighting for their lives to protect their democracies—and yet, the Senate has decided to pack up and head home," Manchin said on Wednesday in a statement.

"The decision to leave Washington with our work unfinished is an unacceptable disservice to the constituents we are elected to serve. The reality is that we need major, structural reforms to dramatically limit the number of illegal crossings at our Southern Border and regain operational control—we can only achieve such reforms with a collective promise to value country over party," he added.

Manchin also described the failure to reach an agreement on the package as a "disgrace to the tens of thousands of Ukrainians who have given their lives to protect their homeland and those who are still fighting against Putin. America is the superpower of the world because we support those who fight for democracy, we do not abandon our allies."

The former governor of West Virginia said lawmakers "should not be abandoning our responsibilities in favor of a holiday vacation" and the American people deserve better."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on Wednesday that congressional negotiators and the White House were working on Wednesday to reach an agreement on an aid package even though the Senate was not formally in session for votes.

"There will be no more roll call votes this year. But make no mistake, the winter recess will be a busy and important few weeks for the U.S. Senate," Schumer said Wednesday on the Senate floor.

"Negotiations will continue around the clock on reaching an agreement on a critical national security supplemental. As I speak right now, the negotiators are in a room down the hall trying to make more progress. I came by a few minutes ago to thank all of them for their hard work and encourage them to continue. The future – not only of Ukraine, but of our country and the Western world – depends on it," he added.

Despite his criticism, Manchin said he was optimistic that a deal would eventually be reached.

"I am optimistic that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle can come together and commit to passing common sense legislation that secures our Southern Border in the new year. I remain absolutely resolute in delivering on our national security responsibilities both to our homeland and our allies" Manchin's statement said.

In October, the White House pitched a supplemental aid package to Congress that would include roughly $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, $9 billion for humanitarian assistance related to Palestinian refugees and $13 billion for border-related efforts.