Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, the key to this amendment is just four words: ``or across State lines.''

One of my cosponsors, Mr. Donalds--I guess it is like football practice this morning--is absent.

This amendment prohibits Federal funds from being used to transport illegal immigrants over the age of 18 across State lines except for the purpose of removing the individuals from the country.

As it currently stands, the bill prohibits funds from being used to transport illegal immigrants into the interior of this country but fails to recognize there are already folks here illegally.

This amendment will cut wasteful and unnecessary spending of taxpayer dollars. It will get the Biden administration out of the human trafficking business. It will focus Homeland Security operations on removing the people who enter our country illegally.

Mr. Chair, our border States have been overwhelmed by the Biden administration's pro-illegal immigration agenda since he first came to office. This amendment would help our border agents do what they are supposed to do, and that is protect our border and deport illegal immigrants.

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Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, we are leaving out a key element of this. I, too, trust our Border Patrol agents. They are underpaid and overworked. I do not trust this White House. This has four words added to it: ``or across State lines.'' That is what is currently happening. It needs to stop, Mr. Chair. That is the bottom line.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

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