Dear john,
Yesterday, I presided over the House Appropriations Homeland Security markup for the first time as Ranking Member.
When it comes to the border, the current Appropriations Homeland Security bill relies on outdated strategies that we know do not work. For example, the bill would require $2.1 billion be rescinded and reappropriated for wall construction, a 14th Century solution to a 21st Century problem. In January of this year, 97% of fentanyl, 94% of heroin, and 98% of methamphetamine were seized at ports of entry and interior checkpoints. Walls will have no impact on those challenges. During the markup, I introduced an amendment that would have provided additional funding to counter the flow of illicit narcotics into the country, help disrupt and dismantle the transnational criminal networks responsible for it, and implement measures with our partners in the region to reduce the likelihood of dangerous persons attempting to enter our country at our southern land border. Unfortunately, it was not adopted.
Notwithstanding these challenges and gaps, I do want to acknowledge that there are a number of bipartisan funding initiatives included in its current state. The bill includes increased funding to sustain existing and acquire some additional Border Security Technology capabilities, increased funding for Homeland Security Investigations, and increased funding for TSA screening technology at passenger checkpoints.
I look forward to continuing our work together, so that by the end of this year's appropriations process, we can produce a final, bipartisan bill with overwhelming support.
