Congressional efforts to ease the immigration crisis at the southern U.S. border hit a snag, as both House and Senate legislation failed to pass.

As Latin Post reported, the House of Representatives had planned on voting on a $659 million bill to fund border security and policy changes. The bill, drafted by Republican representatives, failed to receive enough support from within the party and was abandoned. Senate Democrats instead proposed a $2.7 billion bill that would also help fund Israel's Iron Dome antimissile program, combat wildfires in the western U.S. and fund various aspects addressing the border crisis. The Senate bill was blocked by Republicans and even two Democrats.

While the future of the Senate bill is unclear, the House GOP confirmed they'd reconvene Friday to potentially vote on the immigration bill.

After the bill was withdrawn on Thursday, Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, said there are several steps President Barack Obama "can and should" do "without the need for congressional action" to secure the southern U.S. border.

Boehner said, "Through an inclusive process, a border bill was built by listening to members and the American people that has the support not just of a majority of the majority in the House, but most of the House Republican Conference. We will continue to work on solutions to the border crisis and other challenges facing our country."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, R-Nevada, said he was disappointed with the Republicans blocking the $2.7 billion bill.

"Once again, Republicans have demonstrated that they are more interested in playing partisan politics and holding innocent children ransom than doing what is right for our country," Reid said. "This legislation would have provided necessary resources to address the urgent humanitarian crisis created by the thousands of children fleeing the terrible violence in Central America.

"If my Republican colleagues want to change our immigration laws, Democrats are open to debate their ideas and include them in a comprehensive immigration package. However, Republicans must understand that deporting DREAMers does not address the root cause of the current crisis," Reid said. "I urge my Republican colleagues to put aside their ill-fated partisan politics and focus their efforts on passing legislation that will allow us to care for these children and keep our borders safe."

National Immigration Forum Executive Director Ali Noorani said partisanship dominated Congress throughout Thursday.

"I'm not surprised it seems the votes aren't there. These bills are flawed. And children fleeing violence remain political pawns. Whether these bills move forward today or not, the House is missing an opportunity to drive a smart, practical and bipartisan solution to an urgent situation," Noorani said in a statement.

The National Immigration Forum executive director noted that a "broad majority" want immigration reform, but Congress is failing.

"The chaos we are all witnessing proves that only a bipartisan solution regarding immigration will move us forward," Noorani said.

"It's beyond belief that Congress is abandoning its post while our border crisis continues to create humanitarian suffering, and criminal aliens still represent a clear threat to our citizens and our nation," said Republican Texas Governor Rick Perry, in a statement on Thursday. "While Texas has taken what steps it can to mitigate the damage caused by a porous border, Congress and the President have a duty to address our border security issues without further delay. Congress should not go into recess until the job is completed."

Texas mayors along the southern U.S. border have also addressed the border crisis, which has seen an influx of undocumented immigrant minors.

"I don't see this as a crisis, I see it as a humanitarian issue," said Edinburg Mayor Ricardo Garcia during a press call by the National Immigration Forum. "Here in this country, we've always embraced vulnerable immigrants. We don't want to be demonized by a military presence; what we need is funding for the law enforcement agents we have down here to enforce our laws, and for legal protections for the children. For a 10-year-old child to be arguing his case before an immigration judge -- this is where we need some money. We need to deal with this situation responsibly."

"From our city's standpoint, we're dealing with the family members who have young children in pretty rough shape after their journeys, and who are being processed by Border Patrol and then being released all over the country," said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. "We've had a lot of generous contributions from all over the country. But it's clear from my conversations with congressmen and senators that Congress is still very polarized. I wish that they'd get together and reach a middle ground so we can have a successful conclusion on immigration."

By Friday evening, GOP lawmakers in the House secured enough votes to pass their emergency funding bill. GOP leaders were able to secure the votes by making adjustments to the bill, including an easier approach to deport undocumented children back to their country. The House bill passed with 223-189 votes. 

"The House has just passed a responsible bill to address the humanitarian crisis at our southern border. It will help secure our border and ensure the safe and swift return of these children to their home countries," said Boehner. "If President Obama needs these resources, he will urge Senate Democrats to put politics aside, come back to work, and approve our bill.  There are also steps the president can take to address this crisis within the law, and without further legislative action. Every day the president and his party fail to act is another day this crisis continues."

The House bill is not expected to pass in the Senate.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.