Protecting our Borders
For four years, the American people have been in last place. Under the previous administration, Americans felt increasing financial burdens, economic woes, and safety concerns at every turn. Countless constituents across the Fourth District called our offices in Washington D.C. and Arkansas to express their deep concerns with how they were going to keep their families safe, warm, and fed. So, in November, when it was time for the American people to cast their vote, they voted for prosperity, for relief, and for solutions. Within the first week of President Trump’s second administration, he has held true to his promises of putting Americans first.
In recent travels to the southern border, it was clear that our nation is facing an unprecedented national security crisis. Increased drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal border crossings just miles away from American homes, families, and children has exacerbated the need for an administration to protect the American people from dangerous individuals who threaten the safety of our citizens, not just in border states, but across the entire country. In November, the American people voted for a president who decided to face the border crisis directly and put the safety of the American people first. President Trump’s numerous Executive Orders during his first week in office did just that - declaring a national emergency at the southern border, authorizing continued wall construction, ending the “catch and release” program, and designating drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, among additional efforts that will bolster our national security.
While the President made extensive steps to secure our nation’s borders, House and Senate Republicans were hard at work keeping our promises to the American people as well. Recently, the House and Senate passed the Laken Riley Act, which was then sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law this week. Last year, a young nursing student with a bright future was senselessly and tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant who took advantage of the soft border policies under the previous administration.
Unfortunately, we hear similar stories far too often. Just a few months ago, our Fourth District lost a friend, daughter, and devoted public servant at the hands of an illegal immigrant, reminding us that this issue is just as close to home as the unfortunate incident in Georgia. Under the Republican controlled House, Senate, and White House, we are ensuring that our borders are secure, Americans are protected, and no more families will ever have to grieve a senseless loss like this again.
While there is certainly a long road ahead of us, House Republicans remain dedicated to working with the new administration to create a better America for all Americans instead of creating a border security crisis that puts every American at risk. It’s time for common sense to enter back into the equation as we tackle these issues. The American people made their choice in November, and in the first few weeks, the Republican-led Congress and President Trump established bipartisan law to change course in keeping Americans safe, but there is still much work left to be done.
