Congressman Biggs' Statement on Senate Deal for Border Humanitarian Aid Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate's Appropriations Committee approved $4.6 billion in humanitarian aid for the crisis at America's southern border. Congressman Biggs released the following statement:

"After months of ignoring the dire crisis at our southern border, Senate Democrats have finally admitted that there are significant issues that Congress must confront. This is progress, but the American people deserve better.

"The reported deal does little to assist our overflowing ICE facilities, nor does it give Border Patrol agents the resources they require to concentrate on their law enforcement duties. The legislation only establishes 30 new immigration judge teams – far below the required number necessary to efficiently adjudicate the cases of illegal aliens pouring across our border. It adds layers of bureaucracy to the agents and agencies on the front lines of this crisis, forcing them to focus on regulations rather than responsibilities. Finally, this new funding stands to further incentivize aliens to cross illegally.

"We have achieved a minor victory this week: the situation at the border is no longer a ‘manufactured crisis,' and it is apparently worthy of ‘some' financial assistance. However, Washington is far from solving this crisis or demonstrating any proof of competence to deal with these matters. Members of Congress shouldn't just throw money at this crisis, nor should we tie political strings to the additional funding. We must listen to the agents on the ground and give them the resources they require to efficiently enforce our laws and keep Americans safe. This Senate deal will do little to help us regain control of our southern border. I call on my colleagues to listen to the agents on the ground and the American people and pass meaningful funding to solve this humanitarian and national security crisis at the border."

Congressman Andy Biggs is a second-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees. He lives with his wife, Cindy, in Gilbert.