Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy’s “Dear Colleague” letter proposing to tie southern border security to funding the federal government has gained traction, with 14 House Republicans now supporting the idea.
The movement aims to make government funding contingent on addressing the border crisis, with some Republicans expressing a willingness to shut down the government if necessary.
“The president and Senate majority leader have no interest in securing the border, and so therefore, we as a House majority should say, ‘We’re not going to fund a government that is going to continue to facilitate this border invasion,'” Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good said. (Trending: First Moon Mission In 50 Years Blasts Off)
Shut down the border or shut down the government. pic.twitter.com/vQYFAbN8vJ
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) January 3, 2024
“Use of our constitutional authority to withhold funds to force adherence to the law comes with cries of ‘government shutdown’ and concerns we will fail to sustain key priorities such as funding for troops and Border Patrol agents themselves,” Rep. Chip Roy wrote.
“These claims can be dismissed if we pass legislation to fund those very basic responsibilities … while withholding funding for the vast majority of the federal government until it performs its basic duty to defend the borders of a supposedly sovereign nation.”
The letter has also resonated with at least two Senate Republicans, Rick Scott and Mike Lee, who have voiced similar sentiments about securing the border before funding the government.
“I will not vote to fund the government until our border is secure,” Lee posted on X.
“There’s going to be a big effort to make sure we do nothing on funding unless we secure the border. That’s going to be the big fight.”
Most Popular:
Epstein’s Brother Finally Breaks His Silence
Chilling Arrest Footage of Trump Co-Defendant Provides Glimpse Into Jack Smith Probe
U.S. State Passes Personal Pronoun Ban