New Mexico rancher Russell Johnson spoke with ‘FOX & Friends First’ about his concerns regarding the Biden administration’s stance on building a border wall, stating that he feels like a political pawn. Republicans on the House Oversight Committee are now launching an investigation into what they perceive as “conflicting” statements by the administration on border wall construction at the southern border. This comes after the administration waived numerous federal regulations to allow construction in Texas.
Led by Chairman James Comer, the committee has written to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, questioning the decision to waive 26 federal laws to allow for the construction of barriers and roads in Starr County, Texas. The construction is being funded by the fiscal year 2019 DHS appropriations bill, specifically designated for wall projects in the RGV Sector, which DHS is required to use for its intended purpose.
While the construction announcement was made in June, Mayorkas recently cited an “acute and immediate need” in an announcement on the U.S. Federal Register, justifying the waiver of federal laws due to high levels of illegal crossings in the area. This move has drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who see it as a departure from the administration’s previous stance on the wall. Earlier this year, the administration had halted border wall construction, deeming it ineffective, and even sold off border wall materials.
Comer and other lawmakers agree on the need for a wall, citing the record numbers of illegal crossings at the border. They argue that border barriers have proven to be effective in diverting or slowing illegal crossings and reducing illegal entry. However, the administration maintains that there is no new policy on border wall construction and that they are required to spend the money appropriated by Congress during the Trump era.
Mayorkas clarified that the language in the Federal Register notice has been taken out of context and does not signify a change in policy. He stated that the administration has repeatedly urged Congress to rescind the funding but has been unsuccessful, thus compelling them to follow the law. The administration has also called on Congress to cancel or reappropriate additional border funding and allocate it elsewhere.
The Oversight Committee Republicans are now seeking documents and communications related to the border barrier construction, as well as Mayorkas’ statement clarifying administration policy, and communications between DHS and the White House. Comer criticized the administration’s initial decision to halt border wall construction amidst the ongoing border crisis, calling it detached from reality. He emphasized that Oversight Republicans will continue to hold the administration accountable for its failures along the border.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s decision to waive federal laws for border wall construction in Texas has sparked an investigation by Republicans on the House Oversight Committee. They argue that the administration’s move is contradictory to its previous stance on the wall, while the administration maintains that there is no new policy and they are obligated to spend the appropriated funds. The debate over border wall construction continues amidst ongoing concerns about illegal crossings at the southern border.
