(The Center Square) – Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus called on Republican members of Congress to stop funding the government until the border is secure.
A coalition of 43 members led by Republican Reps. Bob Good of Virginia and Chip Roy of Texas, said, “There is an unprecedented assault on the safety of Americans and the sovereignty of our nation due to the ‘open border policies’ of radical progressive Democrats led by President Joe Biden. The question for House Republicans is, what are we willing to do about it?
“How many more millions of illegal aliens must be released to into America? How much more power must we see given to China, terrorists, and cartels resulting in how many more deaths of Americans?” they asked. “At some point, border security has to be more than something aspirational that we simply message on.”
While impeaching Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was important, they argue, it “will not solve the problem,” but cutting government funding will.
“The next government appropriations package funds multiple avenues Biden exploits to release millions into America,” they said. “From DHS’s abuse of laws to release under parole and asylum, to the United Nations and NGO’s facilitating the trafficking of humans – the abuse can be checked, if House of Representatives exercises its constitutional duty.”
They asked fellow Republicans to join them in rejecting the appropriations package slated to come before the House “that will directly fund these disastrous policies, and choose instead to stand against this assault on the American people and use the power given to us by our founders.”
They also quoted James Madison’s Federalist 58, which states, “This power over the purse may, in fact, be regarded as the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people, for obtaining a redress of every grievance, and for carrying into effect every just and salutary measure.”
In a social media post, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Good said, “At some point, border security has to be more than a talking point or a campaign promise. What are House Republicans prepared to do? When will we say ‘not on our watch’ and back up those words with action? Stop funding the invasion!”
If the House doesn’t block federal funding, the Freedom Caucus argues, “Republicans will be actively funding this crisis.”
Their Monday call may have been too late, as on Tuesday morning, a deal was struck on funding the government for the rest of fiscal 2024.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced Tuesday morning, “An agreement has been reached for DHS appropriations, which will allow completion of the FY24 appropriations process. House and Senate committees have begun drafting bill text to be prepared for release and consideration by the full House and Senate as soon as possible.”
Lawmakers are expected to release six mini-omnibus appropriations bills this week to be voted on by the House and Senate. Six previous “minibus” bills were passed earlier this month, full of “pork projects,” The Center Square reported.
The next set of bills will fund the departments of Defense, Homeland Security, State Department, Health and Human Services and Education as well as continue to fund Congress.
