In a recent interview, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson addressed the ongoing negotiations over a new border deal and responded to criticism from both President Biden and former President Trump. Johnson clarified that he and President Trump have been in frequent communication, but emphasized that the text of the Senate's proposed deal has not been seen yet, warranting the need for further evaluation.
Johnson reiterated that border security and the safety of the American people must be prioritized above all else. He stressed the importance of addressing the broken asylum process and reinstating the Trump-era remain in Mexico policy to curb the flow of migrants. Johnson also argued for the need to rebuild the border wall and put an end to the practice of catch and release.
Regarding the claim that he was being pressured by Senate Republicans to accept a deal, Johnson denied any such influence. He asserted that his role at the White House was to demand action from President Biden, holding him accountable for the border crisis which Johnson believes was exacerbated by the administration's actions and executive orders. The numbers speak for themselves, with over 300,000 individuals crossing the border in December alone.
The interview also touched on the issue of Ukraine, with Johnson questioning the strategy and accountability behind providing additional funding to Ukraine. He stated that billions of dollars have already been allocated without a clear plan in place. Johnson expressed the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of how Ukraine intends to resolve the ongoing conflict and why requested weapons systems have yet to be provided.
Regarding the potential implementation of any border deal and the involvement of Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Johnson was doubtful. He asserted that Mayorkas is responsible for the current state of the border and has failed to effectively enforce existing laws. Johnson emphasized that without proper enforcement, the passing of new legislation would prove futile.
In summary, while President Trump's opposition to the deal holds weight, Johnson maintained that judgment cannot be passed until the actual text of the proposal is reviewed. He underscored the significance of addressing border security and called on President Biden to take executive action to alleviate the crisis. Johnson also expressed concerns regarding the allocation of funds to Ukraine without a clear strategy or accountability. The interview highlighted the ongoing efforts of House Republicans to hold the Biden administration accountable for their actions.
