Shreveport Reporter

Jan 3, 2024

Speaker Johnson and a delegation of over 60 House Republicans visited the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, Texas today to draw attention to the ongoing crisis and the failure of the Biden Administration and Senate Democrats to address it. The visit was followed by a press conference where Speaker Johnson and the House Republicans expressed their concerns and shared their experiences on the ground.

During the press conference, Speaker Johnson thanked his colleagues for joining him in the epicenter of the border crisis and highlighted the diverse representation of the House Republicans present. He emphasized that every state in America is now a border state, and the impact of the crisis is being felt across the country.

The delegation had the opportunity to meet with local residents, sheriffs, and officials from the Texas Department of Public Safety. They also toured the CBP processing facility in Eagle Pass, where they witnessed firsthand the damage and chaos caused by the border catastrophe. Speaker Johnson described the situation as "both heartbreaking and infuriating," with local communities being overrun and resources stretched thin.

The statistics presented by Speaker Johnson were alarming. Since President Biden took office, there have been over 7 million illegal encounters at the border, nearly 2 million known "got-aways," and an unknown number of undetected individuals. Additionally, there are 312 suspects on the terrorist watchlist who have never been apprehended. The Speaker expressed concerns about the potential for terrorists to enter the country and establish cells.

According to a former Border Patrol agent and current sheriff, the Biden Administration dismantled 100 years of progress in just six months by rolling back border security measures put in place by the previous administration. The decision to stop construction of the southern border wall and end the Remain in Mexico policy was particularly criticized. Speaker Johnson noted that reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy alone could stem the flow of illegal immigration by 70% or more.

The Speaker called on President Biden to prioritize deterrence rather than incentivizing people to come to the country. He urged the administration to reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy, end catch and release, and address the abuse of the parole and asylum systems. Speaker Johnson emphasized that the President has the authority to act immediately under existing federal law to address the crisis.

The House Republicans have already passed legislation to secure the border, but it has been stalled on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's desk for seven months. Speaker Johnson expressed frustration with the lack of action and called for immediate attention to the issue. He criticized the Biden Administration for suing the state of Texas for its deterrence efforts and failing to take responsibility for the crisis.

In conclusion, Speaker Johnson and House Republicans are determined to stand up for the American people and demand action to address the border crisis. They called on President Biden to prioritize national security and defend the country's sovereignty. The visit to the southern border has only strengthened their resolve to find a solution and put an end to the dangerous situation unfolding at the border.

To find out more, go to this link: https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1353