ICYMI: Homeland Republicans Take Action to Secure Southern Border

WASHINGTON, DC – As the Biden Border Crisis continues to escalate, Homeland Security Committee Republicans are proposing meaningful solutions to secure the border and support frontline Border Patrol agents.

The CBP Workload Staffing Model Act, introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), Ranking Member of the Border Security Subcommittee, would require Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to develop a comprehensive staffing model that addresses hiring and retention challenges.

“We’re dealing with record-high illegal crossings at our southern border,” said Rep. Higgins. “Our Customs and Border Protection agents are working overtime to combat the crisis Biden has created. It is more important than ever that our border and ports of entry are fully staffed with qualified personnel to keep our nation safe.”

The Illicit Border Tunnel Defense Act, introduced by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), Ranking Member of the Intelligence and Counterterrorism Subcommittee, would direct CBP to develop a plan to counteract illegal underground tunnels along the U.S.-Mexico border.

“In addition to the mass surge of illegal border crossings aboveground, there are over 230 underground cross-border tunnels that drug cartels and traffickers are using to smuggle copious amounts of narcotics, weapons, and cash back and forth across our southern border,” said Rep. Pfluger. “U.S. Border Patrol is aware of an increasing number of these tunnels but lacks the appropriate resources to close and counteract them. This legislation ensures that Border Patrol agents will have the plan and tools they need to seal these tunnels and defend American communities.”

“The crisis at the border is undeniable. Border Patrol agents are overwhelmed, and cartels are exploiting the leadership vacuum created by the Biden Administration,” said Rep. Katko, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. “I applaud Reps. Higgins and Pfluger for leading these efforts to support our brave agents on the frontlines and crack down on illicit smuggling. While the Administration refuses to acknowledge or address this crisis, Homeland Republicans will continue sounding the alarm and providing actionable solutions to strengthen our border security.”

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