Congressman’s Kean’s latest newsletter, entitled “Protecting America’s Borders,” trumpets the passage of “the single strongest border security bill in our history,” officially known asHR 2, the “Secure the Border Act.” The bill is an attempt at returning to Trump-era policies, including restarting the construction of a 900-mile border wall, ending most asylum protections and allowing for expedited deportation of unaccompanied children. HR 2’s passage was partisan—and contentious, with two Republicans voting against it.
This is, of course, political theater, timed to coincide with the expiration of the Title 42 regulations that restricted border crossings during the pandemic. Despite apocalyptic predictions of a stampede across the Rio Grande when Title 42 lapsed, pressures at the border have actually diminished.
Our country has serious issues to deal with at the border—especially around asylum, an issue that exposes deep political and moral fissures. Any potential solution, therefore, requires bipartisan measures—which is a perfect job for the Problem Solvers Caucus, of which Congressman Kean claims to be a proud member.
The irony here is that a FAR more comprehensive solution was brought before the House 10 years ago after passing the Senate (62-38),in an astonishing display of bipartisanship. Sadly, the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act” (S. 744) was stifled in the House by Republican Speaker John Boehner, who knew its assured bipartisan passage would infuriate the right wing of his party.
That bill would have increased border security by adding 40,000 border patrol agents in addition to constructing a double-layer fence, moves projected to stop 90% of illegal border crossings. It would also have reduced the deficit by $700 billion by 2033.
Today’s GOP, accelerating ever further to the right, continues to be hamstrung—even when it comes to legislation that many in their party would applaud—by their own refusal to compromise on bills and offend their white nationalist MAGA base.
Congressman Kean’s refusal to compromise combined with his enthusiastic support for yet another MAGA measure makes a further mockery of his claim of “moderation.”
One NJ7. Voters with a voice.
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