Members of Congress Recount Their Experiences at America’s Southern Border
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Biggs concluded a two-day tour of Arizona's southern border. Nine Members of Congress traveled throughout multiple border cities and towns, meeting with Border Patrol agents, ranchers, and law enforcement officials. Congressman Biggs and his colleagues released these statements:
"I've been to the border several times, and each time, I continue to learn more about the complexity and necessity of border security. The men and women, who are working so hard to protect us, are fighting with two hands tied behind their backs. We need to build a border wall, construct roads and infrastructure to facilitate interdiction of drug and human traffickers, improve our technological resources, and restore pay to Border Patrol agents that was removed under the Obama administration.
"The federal government must secure our boundaries and protect American citizens. I am grateful for my colleagues who joined me on this trip. We gathered information from people closest to this crisis and saw first-hand the needs at the border. I encourage Congress and President Trump to reach an agreement to finally secure our border. This trip has reminded me how vital this fight is."– Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)
"I'm glad I was able to travel to Arizona with Rep. Biggs to inspect our border patrol stations, examine the effectiveness of existing fencing, and talk with border patrol agents, law enforcement and ranchers about the dire need to strengthen our border infrastructure. Our situation is getting worse, but the solution is the same – we must secure our borders in order to regain control of our immigration system. The time for action is now."– Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36)
"After spending a few days in Arizona with Customs and Border Patrol touring areas of our southern border with Mexico. I can say more assuredly than ever that we are in desperate need of a wall. In certain areas, all that separates our two countries is barbed wire fence. Our border agents are overwhelmed and understaffed. A border wall will help funnel those wanting to enter our country illegally and help CBP shrink the hundreds of miles that need to be secured." – Congressman Ted Budd (NC-13)
"After visiting the border, meeting with ranchers who live along it, and talking with border patrol agents who work to secure it, it's clear to me that we're facing a humanitarian and national security crisis on our border. Dangerous, violent cartels are profiting from human trafficking and drugs that are pouring into our communities. It's time for Congress to secure our border and end this crisis. I hope Nancy Pelosi will abandon the political games and get to work to make our country and communities safer."– Congressman Greg Gianforte (MT-AL)
"This weekend I had the opportunity to travel with several members of Congress to the U.S.-Mexico border. There, we spoke with Border Patrol agents, ranchers, merchants, and other law enforcement officials about their experiences and problems.
"It is even more clear that border security has absolutely got to be a top priority in the United States. Too many families are being torn apart by tragedies that could have been avoided if borders were secured. The high number of criminals and drugs that cross our borders illegally puts Americans' loved ones in danger. It is apparent that border walls would not only protect American lives; they would also benefit our neighbors, especially Mexico, by cutting the money the drug cartels have available for corruption there.
"It is also important to note that more barriers on our border would dramatically reduce American deaths from illegal drug overdoses, the American victims of crime would be reduced, and we would also have a better economy to allow the U.S., as the most generous country in history, to have even more with which to help others.
"This weekend's trip to the Arizona-Mexico border illuminated how well walls and barriers work, and that we do need to supplement them with monitoring and immediate responses when alerted. We cannot be secure without barriers in areas where they are critical. Now more than ever, we've got to stand firm on getting money for the border wall. Protecting American lives should be Congress' top priority."– Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01)
"The day to day reality for border patrol agents is untenable for their safety, their effectiveness and our nation's security. Every day that passes with Democrats opposing infrastructure and border security is another day innocent citizens die from drugs and crime crossing into our nation. Time is up on their dangerous nonsense. Our job is to protect our own citizens. The President's proposal echos the needs border patrol agents tell us first hand they need now. We need a wall and we need it now."– Congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04)
"Securing America's borders and maintaining the rule of law should be of paramount importance. Over the past few days, some of my colleagues and I met with border patrol agents and American citizens living and working along our southern border with Mexico to witness the impact for ourselves. Numerous ranchers shared their scared stories and they want a comprehensive solution to these issues, which includes a wall. Border patrol officers shared many of their concerns and believe a wall along with other assets will help.
"This trip reinforced my belief that a wall, in some places a physical wall or a fence, will help reduce human trafficking and the flow of illegal aliens and illicit drugs that now cross the border with relative ease, causing a humanitarian and security crisis."– Congressman H. Morgan Griffith (VA-09)
"While I was in favor of building a wall before my time visiting the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona, this trip really drove home what a necessity it is. I had the privilege to speak, at length, with border patrol agents and citizens who face the problem of an unsafe border every day. President Trump has asked for $5.7 billion to build the wall, but that's not adequate. I believe that it will take a larger investment to finish the job. It's clear that we have a crisis at our southern border, so we need to take the proper steps to secure it right now."– Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06)
"What I witnessed on the border is not manufactured. It is a national crisis, a humanitarian crisis. We saw the devastating effects of having no physical barriers in place. We heard from border patrol agents that they cannot patrol an area until there are physical structures. This is a fight that we have to win. We will sit as long as it takes until we fund border security." – Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05)
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