(TargetLiberty.org) – President Biden criticized Republicans for their role in blocking a key border security bill in the Senate on Thursday, accusing them of neglecting U.S. border security concerns in favor of partisan politics.
“Congressional Republicans show no interest in securing the border or resolving the flaws in America’s immigration system. If they were, they would have supported what could have been the strictest border enforcement measures ever implemented. Instead, they chose to prioritize partisan politics over our national security,” Biden stated.
The Senate saw a vote of 43 to 50, defeating the bill, an outcome that was anticipated. This marks the second time that the legislation, which was the product of negotiations throughout the fall and winter by Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), failed to pass.
In his statement, Biden highlighted that the bill would have increased the number of Border Patrol agents, immigration judges, and asylum officers. It also aimed to enhance funding for technology to detect and halt fentanyl trafficking.
Biden also pointed out that by opposing the bill, Republicans turned down a provision that would have granted him, as President, the emergency authority to temporarily close the border in situations where the immigration system is overwhelmed.
He expressed his commitment to addressing the issues within the immigration system. Meanwhile, Republicans have urged Biden to utilize his executive powers to improve the border situation.
Earlier this week, the White House emphasized the issue of fentanyl trafficking at the southern border, urging Republicans to support the legislation to prioritize saving lives over engaging in political games.
The White House has also criticized Republicans for failing to pass the bipartisan border bill initially after former President Trump encouraged them to reject it, aiming to keep the border a prominent issue leading up to Election Day.
Biden also reported having discussions on Monday with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in an effort to secure the bill’s passage.
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