Republican lawmakers threaten government shutdown over border security
2 Min Read
US Congressman Matt Rosendale said that the current situation at the border poses an existential threat to US national security.
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Concertina wire is stretched through Shelby Park where Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow Governors held a news conference along the Rio Grande to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas, the US (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
US Congressman Matt Rosendale issued a stark warning on Wednesday, suggesting that the US Congress could resort to shutting down the federal government if the Biden administration fails to address concerns over border security.
In a video posted on social media platform X, Rosendale emphasized the urgent need for action, stating that the Biden administration's lack of action on border security necessitates drastic measures.
"The Biden administration is not going to do anything about securing our border … unless we use the power of the purse strings, which means we have to stop funding other portions of government. Am I prepared to do that? Absolutely," Rosendale said in a video on social media platform X.
The Republican added that the situation at the border poses an existential threat to US national security.
SHUT DOWN THE BORDER OR SHUT DOWN THE GOVERNMENT‼️ pic.twitter.com/ExBhaIlD2V
— Matt Rosendale (@RepRosendale) February 21, 2024
A wave of illegal border crossings has in recent months has made migration a key talking point in the US presidential election campaign once again, with Republicans seeking to blame the record-high numbers entirely on Democratic President Joe Biden.
Read more: Texas to build military base on Mexico border amid migration crisis
Lawmakers in the US Congress have been reviewing various foreign military aid packages over the past few weeks, with some of them incorporating border security measures. The latest bill reportedly includes foreign military aid for Ukraine and "Israel" but reduces humanitarian and economic assistance compared to a previous Senate-endorsed bill. It also includes measures aimed at addressing the border crisis, with a provision similar to the "remain in Mexico" immigration policy.
They claim to prioritize addressing national security concerns before government funding reaches their deadlines on March 1 and 8. However, the current chaos in Congress more closely resembles efforts to undermine the Biden administration and advance their own agendas.
Earlier in the day, the House Freedom Caucus, of which Rosendale is a member, sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, asking for updates on funding negotiations. The letter expressed concerns among House Republicans that lawmakers might rush an omnibus spending bill to the floor at the last minute. It particularly requested information on negotiations concerning various policy areas, including border security measures.
