“Joe Biden has failed the first test of national security. That’s because national security starts with border security. And for Republicans, our line in the sand is the Rio Grande.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today blasted President Joe Biden for failing to recognize that national security starts with securing the Southern Border. Senator Barrasso added that any national security bill must include effective border security policy solutions from Senate Republicans that would stop the flow of illegal immigrants and deadly fentanyl into the United States.

Remarks as delivered:

CLICK HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

“Joe Biden has requested $100 billion in the name of national security. Joe Biden has failed the first test of national security. That’s because national security starts with border security.

“And for Republicans, our line in the sand is the Rio Grande.

“Republicans in the Senate have outlined solutions, effective border policy solutions that will actually stop the flow. And the flow is a flood of illegal immigrants coming into this country. I fully support this proposal, and something like this needs to be included if there’s actually going to be a deal. Without it, there is no deal.

“Now, Joe Biden has a different approach. He wants to throw a lot of money at the problem. Completely ineffective. What do the Democrats want to do? The Democrats want to shovel money into sanctuary cities, New York and Chicago. They want to do direct payments to illegal immigrants once they get into the country. That does nothing to stop the flood of illegal immigrants, and it does nothing to stop the terrorism threats that continue to increase in our country.

“Republicans have continually gone to the Southern Border to talk to the Border Patrol. I was there again last week. They tell us Democrats never go to actually see what’s happening at the border and never go to talk to the Border Patrol. Democrat Senators so rarely go for any purposes, but when they do go, it’s to make sure that there is comfort and quick release for illegal immigrants. Nothing to actually stop the flow.

“Criminals, terrorists are flocking to our border from all around the world. Smugglers bringing fentanyl into this country are responsible for a record number of American deaths.

“Republican core proposals, core measurements to stop the illegal immigrants coming into this country have to be part of any national security bill. Otherwise, there will not be a national security bill.”

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