Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has criticized President Biden's handling of the border crisis in a speech delivered on the Senate floor. McConnell accused Biden of inviting the crisis by promising open borders during his presidential campaign. He stated, "The Biden Administration invited a crisis at our southwest border. In the tradition of Washington Democrats dating back decades, they chose an issue over its solution. And then, they made it worse."

McConnell pointed out that the Biden administration abandoned essential border security tools and froze funds for border wall construction. He also criticized the President for leaving the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deal with the aftermath. McConnell emphasized the impact of the border crisis on communities across America, including the flow of deadly fentanyl and the challenges faced by sanctuary cities.

The Republican leader highlighted the attempts by the President and his administration to downplay the severity of the crisis. However, McConnell emphasized, "The country knows better. This is a humanitarian and security crisis of historic proportions."

McConnell also expressed concerns about the President's foreign policy and its impact on national security. He stated, "Our adversaries are emboldened. As terrorists and authoritarian thugs challenge the strongest military in the world, our Commander-in-Chief is hesitant and self-deterred." McConnell called for President Biden to demonstrate more resolve and impose decisive costs on those who attack America.

In light of these challenges, McConnell urged Congress to take action on supplemental national security legislation. He emphasized the need to invest in American hard power, stand with allies, and show adversaries like Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran that the United States intends to act like a superpower again. McConnell concluded by stating, "The national security legislation we’re preparing to take up will invest heavily in the capabilities and capacity America and our allies need to regain the upper hand over this emerging axis of authoritarians."

The speech by Senator McConnell highlights the ongoing concerns regarding the border crisis and national security. It underscores the need for decisive action to address these challenges and protect the interests of the United States and its allies.