Rep. James Lankford (R-OK) has explained the Republican opposition to the border package he discusses with Senate Democrats. He says his fellow Republicans are dragging their feet because this is a “presidential election year.”
He denied Senator Ted Cruz’s claim that the additional package allows 5,000 individuals to enter the United States daily. Lankford spoke out in favor of the bill, which would enhance the ability to swiftly jail and deport transients by increasing the number of Border Patrol personnel, asylum officials, and detention beds. Only seven days out of the last four months have seen fewer than 5,000 migrants cross the border in a single day.
According to Lankford, President Biden already has the authority to protect the border if he so desires, and the measure is structured to allow for a border closure in the event of an influx of migrants. Republicans are pointing fingers at Lankford, saying that he is allowing Biden to claim victory over the border situation by pushing the bill. The senator from Oklahoma stressed that the “‘election year” mantra shouldn’t impede development.
Border patrol agents have apprehended fifty individuals on the terror watch list and tens of thousands more who have been identified as threats to national security within the past four months. Sen. Rick Scott brought attention to the growing backlash against Senator Rick Lankford inside his party. He mentioned that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell informed him that he could not include accountability provisions in the bill that would compel Biden to secure the border promptly.
A resolution denouncing Republican Senator James Lankford and criticizing him for engaging in negotiations with Democrats about a possible border accord was endorsed by the Oklahoma Republican Party. The resolution claims that Lankford is playing fast and loose with Democrats on border policy.
Although not yet completed, the immigration pact would increase the number of Border Patrol agents, extend the detention capacity, and make it simpler for U.S. officials to deport illegal immigrants. It would also make it more challenging for migrants to seek asylum.