WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a press conference on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson strongly criticized the bipartisan border security deal currently in the works, emphasizing that the proposed measures are insufficient to secure the southern border. Expressing concerns about the rumored contents of the deal, Johnson questioned the logic behind allowing the authority to shut down the border only after 5,000 illegal crossings per day.
“Why? Why would we do that? That would be surrender. The goal should be zero illegal crossings a day,” Johnson asserted, underscoring the need for more robust border security measures.
Doubts Surrounding the Content of the Deal
Addressing the rumors about the deal, Johnson mentioned that he has not yet seen the text but expressed hope that some of the information is untrue. He had previously stated that if the rumored contents of the deal were accurate, it could be “dead on arrival” in the House.
“What’s been suggested is in this bill is not enough to secure the border,” he added, reiterating his concerns about the adequacy of the proposed measures.
Advocates Defend the Deal
Advocates of the bill argue that the actual number of illegal crossings would be much lower than Johnson’s concerns. According to the proposed deal, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be mandated to shut down illegal crossings if the daily average encounters exceed 5,000 migrants or if a one-day total surpasses 8,500. However, DHS would retain the authority to shut down the border at 4,000 encounters per day, with President Biden signaling a proactive use of that authority.
Shutdown and Reopening Dynamics
Upon enforcing a mandatory shutdown, it would take two weeks of significantly reduced illegal crossings (approximately 2,000) to reopen the border for crossings other than asylum appointments at ports of entry. The duration of the border shutdown could extend for weeks or even months until the illegal crossing numbers show a substantial decrease.
Upcoming Floor Speech on Border Security
Scheduled to deliver a floor speech later on Tuesday on the subject of border security, Speaker Johnson denied allegations that House objections to the legislation were aimed at supporting former President Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
“That’s absurd,” Johnson refuted, emphasizing that the House is leveraging all available means to address the critical issue of border security.
The debate over the bipartisan border security deal continues, with stakeholders expressing divergent views on the adequacy of proposed measures to address the challenges at the southern border.
COMMENTS