Turning to national politics, US Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says lawmakers need more time to strike a deal on what could become the most significant immigration legislation in nearly three decades.

The Senate returned to Washington on Monday after negotiators worked through the weekend on the border legislation they were trying to reach an agreement that could unlock the Republican votes for President Joe Biden's $110 billion package of aid for Ukraine, Israel and other security priorities.

Speaking on the Senate floor today, Senator McConnell said it's time for America to show it hasn't forgotten how to lead.

The stakes are high this holiday season for allies and partners on the front lines of authoritarian aggression.

The challenge challenges real for brave American service members who are spending this time a year of far from home and loved ones to keep us safe.

It's a dangerous world, one that doesn't reward weakness.

America needs to show that we haven't forgotten how to lead and that we're committed to restoring the hard power that leadership requires.

So I'm encouraged by our colleagues commitment to keep working toward an agreement on national security beginning with security here at home.

The Senate will not let the challenges we face go on.

It appears negotiations will almost certainly drag into next year.

The House has already departed for the year.

It is still uncertain how many more days the Senate will remain in session this week.