Biden and lawmakers seek path forward on Ukraine aid and immigration at White House meeting

President Biden met with congressional leaders on Wednesday afternoon as a monthslong dispute over border security and aid for Ukraine made its way to the White House.

The high-stakes meeting involving congressional leaders, key committee chairs, ranking members and national security officials focused on supplemental funding for Ukraine, as well as enhanced border security measures and immigration policy changes, lawmakers said after the meeting. 

"I am more optimistic than ever before that we come to an agreement," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, told reporters. 

For months, the supplemental spending package requested by the president has been up in the air after congressional Republicans made their backing contingent on the Ukraine aid being tied to stricter border policies. Senate negotiations aimed at forging a compromise on immigration issues dragged through the holidays and into the new year.