Washington DC — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today issued the following statement regarding the state of bipartisan national security, border security, and immigration policy in the U.S. Senate.
“A strong U.S. response to the crises on our southern border, in Ukraine, and in the Middle East is not optional, it is essential.
“As a former federal law enforcement officer and CIA case officer who worked on drug cases and tracking cartels, I know that we cannot ignore the worsening humanitarian and security crisis along our southern border. , we must work to fix our broken immigration system, reduce illegal immigration, combat fentanyl, and strengthen border security. We deserve a Congress to finally address it.
“Beyond our southern border, America faces a geopolitical crisis that requires immediate attention. Kiev could collapse if Congress fails to provide new aid to Ukraine. And if Russia wins, the NATO ally will very likely become President Vladimir Putin's next target. Denying aid to the Ukrainian people is not only a decision to appease President Putin; , a decision that forever tarnishes America's reputation and word in the community of nations. As a member of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, I know that abandoning Ukraine will embolden adversaries such as Iran and Communist China. There is.
“If Congress fails to provide defense assistance to Israel in its fight against Hamas terrorists, and fails to provide critical aid to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, the consequences will be dire and Israel's long-term would further jeopardize security. Without this assistance, prospects for long-term peace and a final two-state solution would be greatly diminished. Tragically, even more civilians , children in particular will be exposed to a never-ending cycle of violence and retaliation. And China, Russia and Iran will stand by and watch America relinquish its leadership role and create a vacuum for further chaos. I will be watching with joy.
“For months, Republicans in the Senate and House have made it clear that strengthening border security is a top priority. The bipartisan agreement announced earlier this week gave lawmakers an opportunity to consider passing aggressive border security and immigration provisions backed by the National Border Patrol Council.
“But once Republicans in Congress were given exactly what they asked for, they walked away. Speaker Johnson refused to consider this bipartisan agreement even before the details were released. It jeopardized progress in the Senate.
“In the process, Speaker Johnson made a calculated move to sacrifice critical aid to allies including Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan in exchange for favors from a former president who never spoke ill of Vladimir. I've made a decision,'' Putin said. For Chairman Johnson, serving former President Donald Trump's political interests is a more pressing goal than strengthening national security and protecting our country's standing in the world.
“Speaker Johnson and House Republicans have a bipartisan path forward to provide military aid to Israel and humanitarian aid to civilians. Without the desired Democratic commitment, they have introduced a bill that is not only doomed to fail, but also naively or even cynically ignores the value of humanitarian aid to Israel's own security.
“America faces serious challenges that require serious leadership. Many of my colleagues continue to talk about the border crisis on TV, and their apathetic response to this negotiated agreement is their Many reveal themselves to be unserious actors with no interest in real solutions.
“We who seek governance cannot give up. Concerned about the future of democracy in Europe, stability in the Middle East, the security of America's southern border, and the role of America's global leadership, we are committed to America's national security. We must continue to advocate steadfastly for legislation that is central to our security interests. I will continue to pressure Speaker Johnson and my Republican colleagues to introduce a national security supplement bill that is in America's interests. We will continue to stand up to terrorists and tyrants and address the threats facing our country and our partners with the seriousness that the American people deserve.”
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