Altoona Times

Washington, DC – Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) recently traveled to Eagle Pass, TX to gain firsthand knowledge of the ongoing crisis at the southern border. He joined over 60 House Republicans in a visit that included meetings with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agents, local law enforcement officers, and landowners.

During the visit, Congressman Joyce expressed his concerns about the consequences of President Biden's open border policies. He stated, "The facts on the ground are clear – President Biden’s open border policies have created a humanitarian and national security crisis on our southern border."

Congressman Joyce emphasized the need for swift action by the Senate to address the situation. He called for the passage of the Secure the Border Act, which would provide necessary resources to border patrol agents to effectively protect Americans.

The numbers speak for themselves. Last month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encountered a staggering 302,000 illegal migrants attempting to cross the U.S. southern border. This record-breaking figure highlights the severity of the crisis.

To combat the issue, Congressman Joyce has been a strong advocate for securing the border. In the past, he voted in favor of H.R.2, the Secure the Border Act. This legislation aims to increase the number of Border Patrol agents, deploy technology to enhance border security, and resume physical barrier construction along the southern border.

The need for border security is further underscored by the significant amount of drugs that are being smuggled across the southern border. In 2023 alone, border patrol agents seized almost 230,000 pounds of drugs. Among these seizures, 22,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl were intercepted. These numbers highlight the urgent need for increased border security measures.

Congressman Joyce's visit to Eagle Pass allowed him to witness the border crisis firsthand and gather valuable insights from those directly involved in addressing the situation. His call for immediate action and support for the Secure the Border Act demonstrate his commitment to protecting Americans and addressing the challenges posed by illegal border crossings.

As the situation at the southern border continues to develop, it remains crucial for lawmakers to work together to find effective solutions that prioritize the safety and security of the American people.