So, let’s set the stage for this unbelievable saga…

More money is needed for Ukraine; Israel wants aid, as well. The Administration requests funding for both and wants money for more border security and to help bolster Taiwan.

The Republicans see this as a chance to effect policy changes at the border and make it clear that without changes they will not support the larger request.

A group of Senators negotiate for several months and reach an agreement that, as in most compromises, leaves everyone a little unhappy, but it is progress for those Republicans who have been calling for changes in the system. Liberal Democrats don’t like the changes, but most appear willing to go along to make progress on the funding issues.

Enter Donald Trump. He calls on Republicans to reject the policy changes on the border because it will help Biden. Immediately, Republican support for the compromise evaporates.

Next, the Senate takes up the original funding request, minus the border policy changes and passes it; something they refused to do without policy changes they then rejected.

Now the House has to determine if the bill should be taken up. They also insisted on policy changes but rejected the Senate compromise. They have their own set of policy changes that have no chance of becoming law. A significant group of Republicans wants to fund Ukraine. Many do not. Clearly a majority of the House will vote to pass the bill and the Speaker is caught between his reverence for Trump and the wishes of a large number of his members.

I don’t know about you, but if this had been put into a book it would seem totally unbelievable.

The final chapter is yet to be written. Anyone who has an idea on how this ends please provide the missing page. I can hardly wait.