Pasco Reporter

U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Congresswoman Debbie Lesko have introduced legislation to declare the crisis at the southern border as an invasion. The bill aims to strengthen the legal arguments of states seeking recourse against the federal government for failing to protect Americans by enforcing the rule of law.

In a statement, Congressman Gus Bilirakis emphasized the importance of holding the Biden Administration accountable for securing the border, stating, “We must use every tool at our disposal to force the Biden Administration to do the right thing and keep Americans safe by enforcing the rule of law and securing our border.” He highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that Americans perceive the influx of illegal immigrants as an invasion that threatens national security.

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko echoed these sentiments, expressing, “We have run out of words to express the magnitude of the crisis at our border. The only word that aptly describes the situation on the ground is ‘invasion,’ which is happening every day at our southern border and negatively affecting communities across this nation.” Lesko emphasized the constitutional authority of states to declare an invasion and protect their citizens from harm.

The legislation has garnered support from a significant number of U.S. Representatives, including Rick Allen, Brian Babin, Andy Biggs, and Marjorie Taylor Greene, among others, who have signed on as cosponsors of the bill. This bipartisan effort underscores the widespread concern over the escalating challenges posed by the crisis at the southern border.

The resolution draws attention to alarming statistics, such as the over 8 million illegal immigrants who have crossed the border since President Biden took office, a 400 percent increase in suspected terrorists apprehended, and a surge in deadly drugs entering the U.S. due to the porous border. These data points underscore the urgent need for decisive action to address the security threats posed by the uncontrolled influx of individuals across the southern border.

The introduction of this legislation signals a concerted effort by lawmakers to confront the border crisis head-on and compel the federal government to prioritize border security measures that safeguard the well-being of American citizens.