Charleston Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, delivered a speech on the Senate Floor today, emphasizing the urgent need for Congress to pass legislation to address President Biden's border crisis. Senator Capito acknowledged that while the crisis was caused by the Biden administration's policies, it is the responsibility of Congressional Republicans to address it.

During her speech, Senator Capito highlighted the concerns and frustrations of her constituents regarding the open southern border. She mentioned that West Virginians have been asking when President Biden will recognize the crisis and what Congress can do to stop it. The Senator also expressed her own frustration, stating, "The chronic failure of President Biden to act has led to the point where even my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have begun to raise alarm as the consequences of the administration’s bad border policy have become undeniable."

Senator Capito presented alarming statistics to illustrate the severity of the crisis. She mentioned the 2.4 million migrant encounters in the past fiscal year, the record number of illegal crossings in December, and the encounters with individuals on the terror watch list. She emphasized that this is a national security crisis and a risk that cannot be ignored. She said, "That is a risk we cannot take, not now, not ever."

The Senator also highlighted the humanitarian crisis caused by the lax border security. She pointed out that the cartels are thriving due to the wide-open southern border and the mass flow of immigration. Senator Capito made it clear that this catastrophe was entirely President Biden's doing.

In her speech, Senator Capito stressed the need for substantive policy changes to address the broken border. She emphasized that doing nothing is unacceptable and will only lead to more encounters, increased national security threats, and further cover for cartels to smuggle drugs and traffic people. She called for bipartisan cooperation, stating, "In a moment as critical as this, we cannot let perfect be the enemy of good. We are currently in a historically narrowly divided Congress, making bipartisanship an essential component in getting legislation across the finish line."

Senator Capito concluded her speech by urging her colleagues to recognize the importance of this moment and the urgent need to respond to the challenges at the southern border. She expressed her optimism and confidence in the Senate's ability to deliver, stating, "We must take advantage of the opportunity that will soon come before us."

In summary, Senator Shelley Moore Capito delivered a passionate speech on the Senate Floor, calling for Congress to take immediate action to address the southern border crisis. She emphasized the need for substantive policy changes, expressed concern over the national security risks and humanitarian consequences, and urged bipartisan cooperation to find a solution.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-capito-on-southern-border-crisis-doing-nothing-is-unacceptable