The Biden administration is being urged by Republican senators, with Sen. Mitt Romney at the forefront, to resume the construction of the southern border wall. This call comes at a time when the country is confronting a new crisis due to the upcoming expiration of Title 42 later this week.
"The Administration has failed to acknowledge the crisis at our border, and is recognizing in the eleventh hour that the upcoming removal of Title 42 authorities, and the subsequent surge in border crossings that is predicted, will have disastrous effects on the security of our nation," the letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas states.
In their argument, the legislators contend that the choice made in the beginning of 2021 to halt the building of the border wall has played a major part in causing the severe humanitarian crisis brought on by unlawful migration. They are seeking "more information on the status of the border wall in anticipation of future congressional action."
Senators John Barrasso of Wyoming, Ted Budd of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Mike Crapo of Idaho, Steve Daines of Montana, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, John Hoeven of North Dakota, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Jim Risch of Idaho, Marco Rubio of Florida, J.D. Vance of Ohio, and Todd Young of Indiana have joined Romney in signing the letter.
The Trump administration managed to build more than 450 miles of wall before the construction was suddenly terminated by the Biden administration, which was a campaign promise made by Biden. Moreover, the administration nullified contracts related to the construction of the wall. Earlier this year, the Mexican President commended Biden for his stance against wall building.
According to a DHS official, the agency is now prioritizing "smart border security solutions grounded in evidence, and making historic investments in technology." The official highlighted the agency's efforts to increase resources for processing and personnel to sustain systems capable of managing twice the number of individuals. The official also mentioned that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would receive an additional $113 million for personnel under the FY2024 budget.
In the meantime, the administration has taken steps to seal some gaps, such as in Arizona. As per Mayorkas' statement during a Senate hearing in April, nearly 130 projects have been authorized to address the gaps and install gates. DHS reports that 55 gaps and gates have already been closed, and additional closures are underway.
The conclusion of the border wall construction coincided with a huge surge in border migration. The legislators pointed out that there were roughly 600,000 gotaways in the FY 2022, in addition to over 2.3 million migrant encounters.
Trending Political News
'I Have Boobs': Fox News Anchor Rips Transgender Women Promoting Sports Bras
Julie Banderas, the anchor for Fox News, was very direct in her comments about Nike's collaboration with Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender activist who identifies as a woman but is biologically male.
Brian Kilmeade from Fox News played sponsor clips featuring Mulvaney for various companies including Nike and Bud Lite, and questioned why these companies would think that such marketing would be effective.
Former Child Star Found 'Completely Naked' in the Streets of Los Angeles
Fox News Digital has reported that former child star Amanda Bynes was discovered completely nude in California, and as a result, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has placed her on a psychiatric hold.
Awkward Video of 'Kindergartner' Gavin Newsom Goes Viral
The video of California Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent visit to the New College of Florida, which appears to be uncomfortable, is being shared all over social media.
On his visit to Sarasota, Governor Gavin Newsom's conduct in the video has attracted social media attention. The video features the governor applauding without any sound as faculty members and students perform a religious song titled "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" at the liberal arts college. Some of his critics noted the uncomfortable nature of the incident.
Yankees Bat Boy Goes Viral for Breaking One of Team's Longstanding Rules
Perhaps for the very first time, a person sporting lengthy hair was seen donning an authentic New York Yankees uniform while on the field.
Since the 1970s, when George Steinbrenner acquired the team, the Yankees have maintained a policy of prohibiting facial hair and hair that extends "below the collar." This code was famously adhered to by players such as Randy Johnson and Johnny Damon, who both shed their magnificent manes upon joining the Bronx Bombers.
Former Disney Star Rips Hollywood for Encouraging 'The Worst Qualities'
Cole Sprouse gained fame as a child star, appearing in popular movies such as "Big Daddy," TV shows like "Friends," and the Disney Channel hit "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody," which he co-starred in with his twin brother, Dylan.
Joe Rogan Gives Surprising Take on Bud Light Controversy
During one of the episodes of his show this week, podcast icon Joe Rogan supported Anheuser-Busch as the company faces the consequences of a paid marketing campaign with a transgender influencer who is highly contentious.