North Texas News

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Michael C. Burgess, Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee, delivered a powerful speech addressing the ongoing crisis at the southern border. Highlighting the severity of the situation, Burgess emphasized the alarming statistics related to illegal migration and drug smuggling.

"In 2023, Customs and Border Protection encountered over 2.5 million illegal migrants attempting to cross the U.S. southern border," Burgess stated. "In December alone, CBP encountered 302,000 illegal migrants attempting to cross the U.S. southern border - the highest number of unlawful migrant crossings in a single month in recorded history."

Burgess also drew attention to the significant amount of drugs being smuggled across the border, stating, "In 2023, Customs and Border Protection confiscated almost 230,000 pounds of drugs, including 22,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl, being smuggled across the southern border."

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Burgess expressed his disappointment in President Biden's actions since taking office. He criticized the dismantling of immigration policies put in place by the previous administration, such as halting the construction of the border wall and ending the Migrant Protection Protocols.

"The consequences have been stark: record numbers of migrants crossing the border and increasing each month; record numbers of illegal aliens being released into the United States; an open season for drug smugglers, human traffickers, and Mexican cartels," Burgess lamented. He stressed that this is not just an immigration problem but a national security problem that requires immediate attention.

To address the chaos caused by the current administration, Burgess introduced four bills aimed at providing support to law enforcement and closing loopholes that allow illicit behavior to go unpunished. One of these bills, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (H.R. 5585), seeks to add criminal and immigration consequences for individuals who operate motor vehicles while fleeing border patrol and law enforcement agents.

Burgess also discussed H.R. 6976, the Protect our Communities from DUIs Act, which aims to address the issue of intoxicated driving among illegal migrants. The bill would provide immigration consequences for driving under the influence, ensuring that those who commit this offense can be deemed inadmissible and deported without lengthy legal proceedings.

Additionally, Burgess highlighted H.R. 6678, the Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act, which aims to address identity fraud by criminal or illegal migrants. The bill would enable the removal and barring of individuals who commit Social Security and ID fraud from the country.

Lastly, Burgess emphasized the importance of preventing terrorists from entering the United States. He introduced H.R. 6679, the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act, in response to the attack committed by Hamas on Israel. The bill aims to ensure that terrorists involved in the attack are not admissible to the United States.

In conclusion, Burgess urged his fellow Members of Congress to support the rule and underlying bills. He emphasized the need to address the immigration crisis at the southern border and protect the safety and security of the American people.

"Republicans have demonstrated that we are committed to governing for the American people and the American people have spoken," Burgess asserted. "Their message to their elected Representatives is enough. Enough with sending their tax dollars to process migrants that should not be in this country instead of enforcing the law. Enough with putting law enforcement, both at the border and across America, in harm's way. Enough with the fear mongering and lies."

Burgess's remarks shed light on the urgent need for action at the southern border and the importance of implementing effective policies to address the crisis.