Homeland Security Improvement Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and a former prosecutor, I rise today to express my concerns regarding H.R. 2203.

While the bill is referred to as the Homeland Security Improvement Act, the legislation does not make improvements to our homeland security, and, in fact, would have no positive impact on resolving the crisis at our southwest border or preventing any future homeland security crisis.

It is the responsibility of Congress to fix gaps in our immigration system that benefit criminals such as human traffickers and drug smugglers.

Instead of addressing these needs, this bill would create even more loopholes.

H.R. 2203 would establish a new and unnecessary position at the Department of Homeland Security that would serve as an additional barrier for law enforcement officers charged with protecting our communities. This new position would overlap with existing positions at DHS, and a panel of appointees or bureaucrats with no prior experience in law enforcement would oversee the border and immigration enforcement process.

Democrats must recognize the efforts, dedication, and sacrifices made each day by members of our law enforcement community to uphold the rule of law. Rather than undermining their roles and duties, we should be focusing on how we can assist these brave men and women who work to maintain our Nation's security.

I recently introduced H.R. 3990, the Operation Stonegarden Authorization Act. This bill would establish a grant program for States bordering Mexico or Canada or those with a maritime border. These grants would provide much-needed resources to help Customs and Border Protection and local law enforcement officers efficiently carry out their mission on behalf of the American people.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in promoting respect for our law enforcement community and providing a sense of gratitude for the work they do to keep us, our families, and our communities safe.

As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I voted against this bill when it was considered in committee. Now, I strongly encourage my colleagues to join me in voting against this partisan measure and to, instead, work across the aisle to find real solutions, bipartisan solutions, to make America a safer place to live, to worship, and to raise a family.

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