More than a dozen House Democrats joined forces with Republicans to pass a resolution condemning President Biden’s border policy on Tuesday. This bipartisan effort further intensifies the pressure on the president to address a crucial issue that could have significant implications for the 2024 campaign.
Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) leads the initiative, which points fingers at Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, accusing them of creating the “worst border security crisis in the Nation’s history.” The measure asserts that the president has systematically dismantled effective border security measures and interior immigration enforcement.
According to the statement, Biden intentionally violated immigration laws in the United States and has been promoting an open borders agenda.
The resolution was passed by the House with a vote count of 226-193, with 13 members not participating. A notable 14 Democrats chose to support the measure and vote in favor of its passage.
Moderate Democrats are sending a strong message to the Biden administration by voting in favor of stricter border controls. This vote comes at a time when negotiations on border security in Congress have reached a standstill. The moderates are increasing pressure on the president to take more decisive action to address the border crisis.
President Biden showed his support for a bipartisan Senate bill last month, which encompassed significant border security reforms. However, House Republicans dismissed the bill as insufficient. In recent weeks, negotiations have stagnated as both sides seem unwilling to compromise on their respective demands.
Legislation in the House has come to a standstill due to the ongoing debate, which has also affected government funding measures.
Public opinion polls indicate that the border remains a top concern for voters in 2024. Both Democrats and Republicans in swing districts are urging their respective parties to address the issue of border security and find a viable solution.
Tuesday’s resolution urges President Biden to take immediate action by using his executive authority to put an end to the practice of “catch-and-release,” expedite the process of removing migrants from the country, and implement necessary reforms to the asylum system. Despite President Biden’s assertion that congressional action is necessary for these reforms, the resolution emphasizes the need for swift action to address the pressing issues at hand.
Earlier on Tuesday, a group of over 20 House Democrats introduced a border security task force with the purpose of engaging in discussions and advocating for border security policy. Among its members, Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), who serves as the co-chair, was also among those who voted in favor of the House measure that expressed criticism towards President Biden.
The bill received support from several Democratic representatives including Yadiar Caraveo (Colo.), Angie Craig (Minn.), Cuellar, Sharice Davids (Kan.), Donald Davids (N.C.), Jared Golden (Maine), Steven Horsford (Nev.), Greg Landsman (Ohio), Susie Lee (Nev.), Jared Moskowitz (Fla.), Frank Mrvan (Ind.), Mary Peltola (Alaska), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.), and Eric Sorensen (Ill.).
