Republican leadership faced criticism once again as they agreed to a third continuing resolution, extending the funding for the government without addressing key border security issues. In December 2022, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer set the Democrat agenda, and Republicans initially pushed for a government shutdown to address the surge of illegal migrants crossing into the U.S. under the Biden administration. However, 107 Republicans in the House and 26 in the Senate joined Democrats to continue funding the government without addressing border security.
Chairman Michael McCaul, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and one of the Republican representatives who voted to continue funding without new border funding, defended the decision. He stated that refusing to fund the government would jeopardize military readiness and insult the Border Patrol agents who are working tirelessly. While he acknowledged the need for border security, he argued for giving Congress more time to work on a comprehensive border security package.
McCaul highlighted the worsening situation at the border, mentioning the repeal of policies like Remain in Mexico and the Migrant Protection Protocols, which had been effective in reducing crossings during the Trump administration. He emphasized the concerning statistics, such as encounters with individuals on the terror watch list, and shared stories of tragic incidents, including drug-related deaths and cases of violence perpetrated by gang members.
Regarding Mexico's cooperation, McCaul expressed his belief that the current Mexican government is not doing enough to address the issue, suggesting that drug cartels hold significant influence. He advocated for clear policy changes, rather than just throwing money at the problem.
When asked about the possibility of Republicans uniting against Biden's policies, including at the border, McCaul expressed the necessity of unity. While Republicans are determined to address border security, he claimed there are also Democrats who agree with the need for change, as it is an issue that impacts various states across the nation.
The conversation also touched upon the potential impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security. McCaul voiced his support for impeachment, citing Mayorkas as the architect of chaos and blaming him for the negative consequences of lax border security policies.
In conclusion, Republican leadership's decision to extend government funding without addressing border security concerns has drawn criticism. Chairman McCaul defended the decision, citing the need to avoid jeopardizing military readiness and insulting Border Patrol agents. The conversation also shed light on the worsening situation at the border, the lack of cooperation from Mexico, and the efforts to impeach Secretary Mayorkas.
