Washington D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee for the Senate Committee on Appropriations, participated in a press conference alongside fellow Republicans, led by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The primary focus of the conference was to emphasize the urgent need for robust policy changes to address what they termed an “unprecedented national security and humanitarian crisis” at the United States’ southern border.
Senator Britt acknowledged the gravity of the situation, highlighting that since President Biden assumed office, there have been over 8 million illegal crossings at the southern border, including more than 1.7 million known “gotaways.” The pressing nature of the issue was underscored by the fact that on a single day, there were more than 12,000 encounters at the border, setting an all-time daily record. Additionally, November recorded over 242,000 border crossings, marking another record-setting high for that month.
During the press conference, Senator Britt expressed gratitude to Senator Graham for consistently drawing attention to the issue and commended her colleagues for their efforts in securing the border. She critiqued the Biden administration’s approach, stating that while funds were allocated for the border, they appeared to perpetuate conditions that encourage mass migration rather than enhancing security measures.
Senator Britt underscored the dual nature of the crisis, emphasizing the humanitarian and national security aspects. She drew attention to the alleged incidents of women being raped and children being “recycled” at the border, urging the media to address these issues objectively. Senator Britt contended that current policies are inhumane and pose a significant national security threat.
The Senator concluded by urging increased vigilance and calling for a comprehensive approach to border security. Citing concerns raised by FBI Director Chris Wray about the heightened threat environment from foreign terrorist organizations exploiting the southwest border, Senator Britt argued for the prioritization of national security measures.
In her impassioned remarks, Senator Britt asserted the necessity of securing the border for the safety and security of the American people, citing the potential dangers of illegal substances like fentanyl entering the country. She emphasized the importance of creating deterrents and ensuring the safety of American citizens, pledging continued efforts to address the ongoing crisis.
