By: Mario Mancini

In the upcoming House special election to replace ousted ex-Rep. George Santos, the two contenders, Democrat Tom Suozzi and Republican Mazi Pilip, engaged in a heated debate on Monday regarding a proposed $118 billion Senate deal aimed at addressing border crossings while providing assistance to Israel and Ukraine.

NY Post reported all the details of this political battle.

Suozzi, a former Democratic Congressman, voiced support for the compromise, portraying it as a pragmatic and bipartisan response to the migrant crisis. On the other hand, Pilip, the Republican candidate, vehemently criticized the deal, characterizing it as a signal for an “invasion” at the southern border.

The bill, a focal point in this election year, has drawn opposition from former President Donald Trump, who is widely expected to be the GOP’s nominee for the 2024 presidential race. Given the Republican majority in the House, the bill is unlikely to gain traction there.

A key provision of the proposed legislation allocates approximately $20 billion to manage illegal immigration at the southern border, where over 2.4 million encounters were recorded in fiscal year 2023, inundating New York City with 170,000 migrants. One aspect of the bill permits federal authorities to close entry points when encounters average 5,000 per day over seven days or reach 8,500 in a single day.

Pilip condemned the bill, arguing that it effectively codifies the ongoing influx at the border and could potentially allow an additional 1.5 million migrants annually. She decried this prospect as “appalling.”

In contrast, Suozzi held a virtual press conference endorsing the bill, portraying Pilip as aligned with Trump and hardline Republicans who prioritize rhetoric over substantive solutions. He emphasized the bill’s provisions for increased border and asylum agents, tighter asylum policies, and $1.4 billion in aid for cities like New York to assist migrants.

Highlighting the divergence between their stances, Suozzi accused Pilip of echoing the extreme views of her party, epitomized by Trump’s obstructionist approach to governance. He criticized her for obstructing potential solutions without offering alternatives.

President Biden has thrown his support behind the Senate bill, pledging to sign it if it reaches his desk. However, Suozzi expressed disappointment in Biden’s delayed response to the crisis.

Pilip, echoing her campaign’s emphasis on border security, reiterated her commitment to addressing the migrant crisis, which she attributed to policies enacted by Suozzi and Biden. She criticized the bill for failing to adequately address border security concerns.

Furthermore, Pilip objected to bundling aid for Israel and Ukraine with the border deal, advocating for separate consideration of these issues.

The migrant crisis looms large in the 3rd District’s special election, encompassing much of Nassau County and parts of northern Queens, shaping the discourse and priorities of the candidates.

The border bill appears to be dead on arrival after minority Senate leader Mitch McConnell turned against the toothless bill, which does next to nothing to stop the flow of illegals from crossing the border.  DHS could close the border if Border Patrol encountered 4,000 or more migrants on average over seven days. The border would have to be shut down if those encounters reached a seven-day average of 5,000 or if they exceeded 8,500 in a single day.

Meanwhile it appears that Pilip is not even really a Republican, a several journalists pointed out.  She serves on the Nassau County Legislature as a Republican but is a registered Democrat.