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Monday, December 23, 2024

Senator Capito Questions DHS Secretary Mayorkas on Border Security, TSA Programs, Fentanyl

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Senator Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Senator for West Virginia | Official U.S. Senate headshot

Senator Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Senator for West Virginia | Official U.S. Senate headshot

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, recently questioned U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on various critical issues during a budget hearing for Fiscal Year 2025.

In the hearing, Senator Capito raised concerns about cuts to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) programs at local West Virginia airports, efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking across the southern border, and the recruitment, retention, and morale of border patrol officers.

Regarding the TSA program cuts at West Virginia airports, Senator Capito expressed her dismay, stating, "What do you say to those airports across the country where this was cut, and now have holes in their budgets to try to do this? What was the reasoning behind that? It doesn't sound like a safety issue. It doesn't sound like it's making our airports more safe?" Secretary Mayorkas assured to follow up on the issue internally.

On the recruitment and retention of border patrol agents, Senator Capito inquired about the current number of agents and their morale. Secretary Mayorkas acknowledged the challenges, mentioning, "Morale has been an issue in our Department of Homeland Security ever since I joined it, and well before then."

In terms of fentanyl interdiction capabilities at the southern border, Senator Capito highlighted the importance of autonomous surveillance towers and questioned the effectiveness of current measures. Secretary Mayorkas emphasized the focus on non-intrusive inspection technology to address the smuggling of fentanyl through ports of entry.

Throughout the hearing, Senator Capito persistently sought clarity on various issues, including the screening of cars for drugs at ports of entry, to which Secretary Mayorkas promised to provide further data.

The interaction between Senator Capito and Secretary Mayorkas sheds light on the ongoing challenges and priorities within the DHS, particularly in the areas of border security, TSA programs, and combating the influx of dangerous substances like fentanyl.

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