In a recent interview, Utah Senator Mike Lee expressed his determination to vote against any funding agreement until proper border security measures are in place. As discussions continue regarding two spending packages, Senator Lee outlined his concerns about the current border crisis and the need for decisive action.
Senator Lee emphasized that the United States is currently facing both a humanitarian and rule of law crisis due to the massive influx of individuals crossing the border illegally. He pointed out that President Biden has the necessary authority to address this issue and secure the border, just as President Trump did during his tenure. Senator Lee called on President Biden to exercise this authority and take immediate action.
The first spending package being discussed is a continuing resolution, which would fund the government until March. However, Senator Lee stressed that it is imperative for the administration to demonstrate a commitment to border security before funding can proceed. He argued that there is no need for new laws, as existing legislation provides the necessary tools to address the crisis. Senator Lee urged the government to prioritize securing the border and warned that failure to do so would require tough decisions, including withholding funding for the administration's priorities.
Addressing specific details of the Senate bill proposal, Senator Lee expressed concern about the expulsion authority tied to the number of daily border encounters exceeding 5,000. He questioned the logic of only taking action after such a high number of illegal crossings had already occurred. Senator Lee emphasized that creating new laws is unnecessary and criticized the potential impact on border security if the proposed authority was limited to a certain number of days per year.
Furthermore, Senator Lee voiced his disappointment with Senate Republicans, accusing them of prioritizing sending aid to Ukraine over securing the border. He underscored the need for the entire Senate to take border security seriously and urged the Biden administration to either secure the border or face potential shutdown.
As for the timeline, a vote on the continuing resolution is expected as early as Tuesday, while the supplemental aid package's text is yet to be seen. Senator Lee expressed frustration with the premature push for a deal that does not yet exist and criticized those who accused Republicans of jeopardizing national security without having all the facts.
Switching gears, Senator Lee revealed that he has endorsed former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. He highlighted the choice Americans face between lawlessness and the rule of law, as well as the need for a leader who prioritizes American interests. Senator Lee predicted that Trump's candidacy would quickly gain momentum, making him the de facto presumptive nominee in the 2024 election.
In response to a question about why some lawmakers on the left resist America-first policies and fail to address border security concerns, Senator Lee speculated that they may be disconnected from the communities directly affected. He argued that a lack of exposure to the consequences of illegal immigration and lawlessness could lead to a naive perspective on border issues.
In conclusion, Senator Mike Lee firmly asserted the need for immediate action to address the border crisis. Withholding funding until border security is prioritized remains his stance, urging President Biden to utilize his existing authority and secure the border. As the debate continues, the senator implores his colleagues to prioritize American national security and the well-being of communities impacted by illegal immigration and lawlessness.
