Border Takes Center Stage as McCarthy Seeks to Shift Shutdown Blame

As Congress barrels toward a government shutdown instigated by his own hard-right members, Speaker Kevin McCarthy is toiling to turn a fight over federal spending into a battle over President Biden’s handling of the border.

By floating a stopgap funding bill that would slash spending while imposing stringent immigration restrictions demanded by conservatives, Mr. McCarthy is attempting to shift the debate from an issue that has divided members of his party toward one where they are united — and where they believe Mr. Biden and his party are vulnerable.