Focusing on Republican Priorities

Floor Speech

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Mr. OWENS. First of all, congratulations to the vice chair.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Protecting Our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act.

Biden's open border policies have led to a historic surge in illegal border crossings, affecting not only traditional border communities but every community across the country.

Last year alone, the Customs and Border Patrol reported a record- shattering 2.4 million illegal crossings at our southern border. This year, a shocking 21,000 pounds of fentanyl were smuggled into our communities, with a staggering 90 percent seized at U.S. ports of entry.

These alarming statistics paint a vivid picture. The White House has failed to enforce our immigration laws, securing the border, and safeguarding families in Utah and across the Nation from the deadly influx of fentanyl.

Equally concerning is the President's wrongheaded policy of housing illegal immigrants in our national parks. This disastrous policy endangers the safety of local communities and strains resources meant for families to enjoy safe and wholesome activities on our Federal lands.

House Republicans are taking a stand against these reckless policies. This week we will bring to the floor H.R. 5283, the Protecting Our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act. This is crucial legislation that will prohibit Federal funding from being used to provide housing for illegal immigrants on any Federal land.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 5283 and send a clear message that we are united in our commitment to protecting our communities and securing our borders.

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