Congressman Mike Johnson | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Mike Johnson | Official U.S. House headshot
Speaker Johnson has expressed disappointment in the Senate's foreign aid legislation for failing to address America's border crisis, which he considers to be the most critical aspect of national security. In a statement released this evening, Speaker Johnson emphasized the importance of recognizing that national security begins at the country's own border.
"House Republicans were crystal clear from the very beginning of discussions that any so-called national security supplemental legislation must recognize that national security begins at our own border," said Speaker Johnson. "The House acted ten months ago to help enact transformative policy change by passing the Secure Our Border Act, and since then, including today, the Senate has failed to meet the moment."
Speaker Johnson commended the Senate for rejecting the Ukraine-Taiwan-Gaza-Israel-Immigration legislation last week due to its insufficient border provisions. However, he criticized the Senate for not going back to the drawing board to amend the current bill and include real border security provisions that would address the ongoing catastrophe at the border.
"The Senate's foreign aid bill is silent on the most pressing issue facing our country," Speaker Johnson stated. "The mandate of national security supplemental legislation was to secure America's own border before sending additional foreign aid around the world. It is what the American people demand and deserve."
In the absence of any significant border policy changes from the Senate, Speaker Johnson emphasized that the House will have to continue working on these important matters independently. He concluded by stating, "America deserves better than the Senate's status quo."
The Senate's failure to address the border crisis in the national security supplemental legislation has drawn criticism from Speaker Johnson. He believes that securing America's own border is a fundamental aspect of national security and that the Senate's foreign aid bill neglects this crucial issue. As the House continues to work on these matters, Speaker Johnson emphasizes that the American people deserve better.