More than 12 House Democrats joined Republicans in endorsing a statement that criticized President Biden's border approach on Tuesday, increasing pressure on the president to focus on a crucial 2024 campaign issue.
Led by Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), the measure accuses Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of creating “the worst border security crisis in the Nation’s history,” and claims the president “systematically dismantled effective border security measures and interior immigration enforcement.”
It also states that Biden “intentionally violated United States immigration law,” and has pursued an “open borders agenda.”
The measure passed the House in a 226-193 vote, with 13 members not participating. A total of 14 Democrats voted in favor of the statement.
The vote conveys a message to the Biden administration as moderate Democrats intensify pressure on the president to consider stricter border controls during Congressional discussions on border security that have hit a stalemate.
President Biden supported a bipartisan Senate bill last month that included extensive border security reforms, but the bill was rejected by House Republicans as too weak. Negotiations have stalled recently as both sides seem unwilling to consider each other's demands.
The debate has caused legislation in the House to come to a standstill, including government funding measures.
The border remains one of the most crucial issues for voters in 2024, according to public opinion polls, with many swing-district members from both parties urging their parties to find a solution on border security.
Tuesday’s statement urges Biden to use executive authority to end “catch-and release,” expedite the removal of migrants from the country, and make changes to the asylum system. Biden has stated that congressional action is necessary for any reforms to be implemented.
Earlier Tuesday, more than 20 House Democrats established a border security task force, tasked with discussing and advocating for border security policy. Several of its members, including co-chair Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), also voted in favor of the House statement criticizing Biden.
The Democrats supporting the statement were Reps. Yadiar Caraveo (Colo.), Angie Craig (Minn.), Cuellar, Sharice Davids (Kan.), Donald Davids (N.C.), Jared Golden (Maine), Steven Horsford (Nev.), Greg Landsman (Ohio), Susie Lee (Nev.), Jared Moskowitz (Fla.), Frank Mrvan (Ind.), Mary Peltola (Alaska), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.) and Eric Sorensen (Ill.).
