In First Floor Address, Meuser Calls for Border Security, End to the Shutdown
Congressman Dan Meuser(PA-09) today made his first floor speech as a member of the United States House of Representatives, calling on Congress to work together to provide resources to secure our border and end the ongoing government shutdown.
"This government shutdown needs to be resolved," Congressman Meuser said on the House floor. "The people know it is up to this Congress to do it and to do so in short order. Despite the high level of political morass we must wade through in these first days of this 116th Congress, I continue to believe that this Congress can do things better and actually work together to get things done for the American people."
"Politics has no place in this serious matter. The border agents, including Chris Cabrera of the National Border Patrol Council, emphasizes that a wall, or a barrier, is an essential tool. We, here in Congress, must provide the means so they can do their job…The people want us to work together for our country, not for ourselves or our political parties. Let's not continue to let the people down, let's show that this Congress can do things better," Meuser concluded.
The full text of Congressman Meuser's remarks, as prepared for delivery, is below, and a link to video of his address can be found here.
Mr. Speaker,
It is with a great sense of honor, respect and patriotism I make my first address on this floor.
This government shutdown needs to be resolved. The people know it is up to this Congress to do it and to do so in short order.
Despite the high level of political morass we must wade through in these first days of this 116th Congress, I continue to believe that this Congress must do things better and actually work together to get things done for the American people.
The need exists to advance and improve our border security, as well as correct aspects of our illegal immigration laws. The problem-solving starts with securing our border.
Our borders are a serious problem. We all know this. The data is indisputable by anyone serious who reviews the information. We have hundreds of thousands entering our country illegally every year – and our border patrol agents cannot manage the situation with the resources and tools Congress has appropriated.
There is a cost and plan to make our borders properly secure. Congress has the responsibility to provide the right level of funding, so border security staff can do their job and so our country has lawful immigration.
The experts at Homeland Security say this cost is $5.7 billion – there are many in this Congress who will not vote for this, but less than seven years ago these same members voted for border security funding, which included a physical barrier.
Politics has no place in this serious matter.
The border agents, including Chris Cabrera of the National Border Patrol Council, emphasizes that a wall, or a barrier, is an essential tool. We, here in Congress, must provide the means so they can do their job.
I myself believe in high fences and wide legal gates. But before we can talk about wide, legal gates, and deal with the issues like DACA, and extended work visas for agricultural workers, we must secure the border.
The people want us to work together for our country, not for ourselves or our political parties.
Let's not continue to let the people down, let's show that this Congress can do things better.
I yield back the remainder of my time.