Democratic Sen. Jon Tester of Montena on Thursday urged President Biden to use “all remaining tools, including executive action,” to strengthen border security following the commander-in-chief’s visit to the southern border on Thursday. “I will.”
“Congress and the Administration must take immediate action to remedy the situation before it gets worse.” Tester wrote in a letter Addressed to Biden, dated February 29th. “Where executive action is possible, we respectfully encourage you to utilize all remaining tools at your disposal to strengthen border security.”
On Thursday, Biden traveled to Brownsville, Texas, to meet with Border Patrol agents. Biden has come under intense scrutiny from Republicans in recent months over his handling of the border crisis, but legislation on the issue has stalled due to disagreements among lawmakers.
Biden, speaking from Texas, criticized Congressional Republicans who were largely influenced by former President Donald Trump and opposed the bipartisan border security agreement struck by the Senate earlier this month. The proposed package came after months of negotiations between both sides of the aisle and included significant concessions from Democrats on border security.
The deal would also unlock aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, as some Senate Republicans have called for foreign aid to be tied to border security. Once announced, the deal fell apart due to Republican opposition and public criticism from President Trump.
In a letter to Biden, Tester said the bill “failed due to election year politics,” calling it “the strongest border security legislation” seen in Congress in recent years.
“The fact that so many of my Republican colleagues voted to reject this strong bipartisan proposal simply because they wanted to score political points is deeply frustrating, but I am determined to get something done. We will not give up,” Tester wrote. “Only Congress can provide the critical funding needed to secure our borders through talent and technology, and only Congress has the power to strengthen asylum laws, but action is needed.”
Tester insisted it was up to Biden to act and urged the president to use his executive powers “to the fullest extent” until Congress can make progress on the issue.
Biden announced no literal or non-literal steps to address the border situation during his time in Texas.
The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.
President Trump also visited Eagle Pass, Texas, on Thursday, accompanied by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and local police. The border town has been the subject of much news coverage due to the influx of migrants, and long lines of migrants, buses and razor wire are common sights.
Eagle Pass was in the spotlight earlier this year after Texas authorities blocked Border Patrol agents from entering parts of the town and took control of a riverside park. The Texas National Guard blocked civilians, city officials, and Border Patrol from entering the park.
Trump and Biden accused each other of being responsible for the situation at the southern border during dueling trips Thursday.
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