Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, slammed Republicans for demanding that aid to Ukraine and Israel is tied to immigration and border demands. He said the ongoing discussions are “one the most dangerous moments I have ever faced in American Politics.”

Senators are rushing to reach an agreement that will secure money for Ukraine and Israel, while also making immigration policy changes, a notoriously difficult issue. Murphy, the Democratic lead negotiator for a bipartisan group working to reach a deal on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” lamented the slow pace of the talks.

Murphy said: “I find it absolutely tragic that Republicans tie the resolution of immigration reform, which is perhaps the most important issue in American politics today, to their support for Ukraine or Israel.” “This is one of the worst moments I have ever experienced in American politics. I wish Republicans didn’t hold Israel aid and Ukraine aid hostage to immigration reform.” Murphy said.

Senate Republicans blocked legislation last week providing aid to Ukraine, Israel and other countries because it did not include any changes they wanted to make to the border policy. This further endangered Congress’ hopes of passing a comprehensive foreign aid package before the end of this year.

The lead Republican in the border talks was Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma. He claimed that the White House had inserted border policy changes when President Joe Biden asked Congress to approve an all-encompassing bill, which included funding for Ukraine and Israel, as well as efforts to deter China.

Lankford, in an interview with CBS’s “Face the Nation,” said that the border was “literally spiraling out-of-control.”

He added, “All we are trying to do is say what tools we need to bring this under control and stop the chaos at our southern border.”

Democratic and Republican negotiators have been trying to reach a consensus on border policy changes that would be acceptable to both parties. However, GOP demands are making the discussions sour for Democrats. Murphy referred to the Republican demands as “immigration policy” of former President Donald Trump.

“We will not legislate Donald Trump’s immigration policy.” Murphy stated that they would not be doing so. We need to do something about this border crisis.

Many of the ongoing discussions have been held in private. However, one issue that has come up is the humanitarian parole program, which allows migrants temporarily to stay in the U.S. due to “urgent humanitarian concerns.”

Biden, in an effort to restart the talks due to the short time left, said last week that he was willing to make “significant concessions” to border policy so Congress could pass Ukraine aid. Murphy believes that “the White House will get more involved this week” in the border negotiations.

Lankford acknowledged in his Sunday interview that any border agreement will need to be an ultimate middle ground between Democratic-Republican wants, but added “doesn’t mean that we just sit down and do nothing.”

Lankford stated, “We have to solve this crisis.”