Frustration over failed border security deal hits Senate floor, Graham tells Sinema 'half-ass' try

Frustration over the Senate's failed border security deal reached the chamber floor Thursday, when Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema asked GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham to explain why he voted against advancing the measure she helped negotiate.

Graham, of South Carolina, responded saying it was a “half-ass” effort to secure the border.

Sinema, of Arizoan, was one of three senators – along with James Lankford, R-Okla., and Chris Murphy, D-Conn – to negotiate the bill, which also included $118 billion in foreign aid.

Graham initially said Sinema “did a pretty good job in many ways” in negotiating the deal, then added, “I didn’t think it was enough,” according to The Hill newspaper.

Graham, whose complaint in part is over the amendment process to the bill, responded: “Here is what I’m saying: This has been a half-ass effort to deal with border security."

When Sinema finally got a chance to speak, she argued basic Senate floor procedure allows amendments to be considered only after senators approve a motion to advance the bill.