01.05.23

Senator Sullivan: The Crisis at Our Southern Border is a Dereliction of Duty

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) released the following statement today after it was reported President Biden announced he would be visiting the southern border on Sunday. 

“While I’m glad to see President Biden finally visit the border, it is unfathomable that he has not done so yet as president  – or apparently ever – especially when considering the crises that have unfolded under his watch. The humanitarian crisis, the national security crisis, and the health care crisis transpiring right now on our southern border is a tragedy of immense proportions and furthermore, a dereliction of duty that this president and his administration continue to turn a blind eye to and, at times, appears to deliberately worsen.

“Year after year, the Biden administration has advocated to underfund our Border Patrol, stopped construction of the border wall, halted deportations, and suspended the successful ‘remain in Mexico’ policy. The result? Since President Biden took office, there have been more than 4.3 million illegal crossings at the southern border.

“Even though Alaska is not a border state, the impacts of our open southern border reach our state like every other, including our most rural communities, every day. Alaska experienced the largest percent increase in drug overdose deaths in 2021 of any state. Nationally, drug overdose deaths over the last two years – largely driven by fentanyl – have become the leading cause of death for adults ages 18-45 years old. In 2022, over 14,000 pounds of fentanyl was seized at the border – a new record high. This is enough to kill the entire U.S. population 9 times.

“It is past time President Biden accept responsibility for this self-made disaster and start enforcing our immigration laws. The successful ‘remain in Mexico’ program needs to be kept and our southern border wall needs to be completed.”

Background:

  • In March 2021, Senator Sullivan visited the southern border on a congressional delegation (CODEL) with U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barasso (R-Wyo.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.).

  • In August 2022, all 50 Senate Democrats blocked Senator Sullivan’s amendment to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that would have directed $500 million to be allocated to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the southern border. The funds were instead earmarked for sustainability and environmental programs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

 

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