Arkansas lawmakers respond to proposed border bill

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) – Several Arkansas lawmakers are responding to a funding bill that would help secure the border between the United States and Mexico and provide aid to Ukraine.

The package, revealed on Sunday, Feb. 4, would also include provisions preserving presidential power to grant humanitarian parole and a five-year expansion of immigrant visas.

On Monday, Feb. 5, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton said on X (Twitter) that he believes the bill will not “solve our border crisis,” implying it will get worse.

I’ve reviewed the bill, I don’t think it will solve our border crisis, and might make it worse. I will oppose it.

Joe Biden created this crisis by design. He can and should reverse his open border policies today.

Here are a few of my concerns:
— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) February 5, 2024

District 1 Representative Rick Crawford echoed Cotton’s opinion, calling on President Joe Biden to reverse his executive orders implemented during his first year in office “that has created a historic surge in illegal immigration.”

1: I am a firm “NO” on the Senate border bill and I call on President Biden to reverse the executive orders that he implemented during his first year that has created this historic surge in illegal immigration and for the Senate to take up the Secure the Border Act.
— Rep. Rick Crawford (@RepRickCrawford) February 5, 2024

District 3 Representative Steve Womack said “the flaws” in the Senate bill have “too many bad provisions that will incentivize more illegal immigration,” agreeing with Crawford that Biden’s policies have led to issues.

pic.twitter.com/8v2rtG4Xgw
— Rep. Steve Womack (@rep_stevewomack) February 5, 2024

In his statement, U.S. Senator John Boozman urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to allow for an open process in discussions for the bill “so the voices of additional senators are included in the debate.”

President Biden abandoned proven measures to prevent illegal immigration and secure our border. As the crisis has worsened, instead of using every tool available to the administration to secure the border and stem the flow of illegal immigrants, (1/3)
— Senator John Boozman (@JohnBoozman) February 5, 2024