North Lancaster News

The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a resolution showing support for a more secure southern border. The resolution, sponsored by Senate Republican leaders, calls for action to address the border crisis and emphasizes states' rights to protect their citizens. It also expresses support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to secure the border.

The resolution, known as Senate Resolution 234, was authored by several senators including Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Majority Leader Joe Pittman, and Majority Whip Ryan P. Aument. It not only calls for the Biden Administration to stop impeding Texas's efforts to limit illegal immigration but also encourages Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to join other governors in supporting Governor Abbott.

The rise in illegal immigration has strained the resources of states across the nation. The U.S. Center for Immigration Services reports that the country's illegal immigrant population grew to 12.8 million by October 2023, an increase of 2.6 million since President Biden took office in January 2021. President Biden's executive orders, which diverted financial resources from the border, suspended deportations, and ended the "Remain in Mexico" policy, have contributed to this rise.

Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, speaking about her visit to the border last March, expressed her concerns about the situation. She witnessed people from all over the world, not just from Mexico, crossing the border with the help of cartels. Ward called on Governor Shapiro to support Governor Abbott's efforts in securing the border and emphasized the need for states to handle the crisis themselves.

Majority Leader Joe Pittman highlighted the importance of protecting and securing borders, stating that it is one of the most fundamental issues of our time. He criticized the Biden Administration's immigration policies, which he believes have left the United States vulnerable. Pittman stressed the need to rectify the crisis at the southern border to ensure public safety and national security.

Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin emphasized the strain that illegal immigration puts on the nation's resources and the threat it poses to the safety of citizens. He criticized the Biden Administration's policies for increasing incidents of human trafficking, smuggling of guns and drugs, and other dangers. Martin called for the federal government to provide the necessary resources to secure the border and support states' efforts.

Majority Whip Ryan P. Aument echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, stating that President Biden's border policies have been destructive and ineffective. He emphasized the urgency to secure the border and find better solutions to address the ongoing crisis.

The Pennsylvania Senate's resolution reflects the growing concern about the border crisis and the need for action. It urges the Biden Administration to take decisive steps to address the situation and supports the efforts of Governor Abbott in securing the border. The resolution also calls on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to join other governors in supporting these efforts.

The passage of this resolution by the Pennsylvania Senate sends a clear message that protecting the nation's borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens are top priorities. It remains to be seen how the Biden Administration will respond to the calls for action and support from states like Pennsylvania and Texas.

Contact:

- Erica Clayton Wright (Ward)

- Kate Eckhart Flessner (Pittman)

- Jason Thompson (Martin)

- Stephanie Applegate (Aument)