In a recent development, Representative Chip Roy, a Republican from Texas, has declared his intention to abstain from the forthcoming trip to the southern border planned by House Republicans.
Roy communicated his decision to his fellow lawmakers on Tuesday, stating that the individuals most impacted by the ongoing migrant crisis are weary of such events.
In a letter to his colleagues, which was later obtained by Fox News Digital, Roy wrote, "I commend Speaker Johnsons efforts to take a group of House Republicans to the Texas border tomorrow so that any members unaware of the depths of the threat to our citizenry may become fully informed. However, I will not be attending."
He continued, "Our people law enforcement, ranchers, local leaders are tired of meetings, speeches, and press conferences. So, for those of us who have already witnessed this crisis dozens of times, its past that time. Its time to act with urgency."
Roy urged the House GOP majority to use government funding discussions as leverage to compel Democrats in the Senate and White House to pass H.R. 2, the Republicans border security bill. This bill proposes to reinstate policies from the Trump era, such as Remain In Mexico, and significantly broaden border officials expulsion authority, among other measures.
In his letter, Roy criticized fellow Republican hardliners who had previously thwarted an attempt to incorporate H.R. 2 into a short-term government funding bill, known as a continuing resolution. He stated, "I am well aware that some of my more conservative colleagues were instrumental in shooting down an attempt to attach border security in the form of H.R.2 to funding legislation this past fall. That was a disastrous mistake, and as equally tiresome and problematic as the excuses Republicans typically give about fearing shutdown. Thus, this letter is directed to all of us, for while Democrats own the crisis and abuse of our laws, we Republicans own the failure to force a response to that crisis."
Roy's letter seems to be a protest against the GOP leaders handling of the border crisis. This comes as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, is leading a group of over 60 House Republicans to the border on Wednesday. The group is expected to tour part of the area around Eagle Pass, Texas, and hold a press conference. They are also expected to interact with officials on the ground.
This visit coincides with ongoing negotiations between the White House, Senate Democrats, and Republicans on border security and asylum measures. GOP leaders have made it clear that Democratic concessions on the border are necessary to pass President Bidens $110 billion supplemental aid package, which includes funds for Ukraine and Israel.
Speaker Johnson has suggested that anything less than H.R. 2 would face opposition in the House, a sentiment echoed by Roy and others on Johnsons right flank.
The number of people attempting to cross the border in December reached a record high of 302,000.
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