Duval Times

In a joint statement, Fox News Sen. Ron Johnson and Sen. Rick Scott expressed their concerns regarding President Biden's open border policy and its impact on national security. The senators argue that the primary responsibility of a U.S. president is to defend the country's citizens and the Constitution, which they believe Biden is failing to do.

According to the senators, since Biden took office, approximately 9.5 million migrants have entered the country illegally, with only around 3 million being returned under the pandemic emergency provisions of Title 42. This leaves over 6 million migrants who have taken up residence in America. To put this number into perspective, it is noted that 31 states have a population of less than 6 million.

The senators highlight the burden this influx of migrants places on cities across the country. They mention that even New York City, which declared itself a sanctuary city, is now concerned that the 100,000 migrants who accepted the invitation will destroy the city. However, the senators point out that this number represents less than 2% of the migrants Biden has allowed to enter, with the other 98% dispersed all over America.

The senators criticize the Biden administration for reversing the border security policies implemented by President Trump, claiming that this has facilitated the activities of sex, drug, and human traffickers. They note that overdose deaths, largely caused by fentanyl coming through the southwest border, have topped 100,000 annually.

Highlighting the national security threat posed by the open border, the senators mention that 1.7 million migrants were detected crossing the border and accounted for as "known gotaways." They express concern that the country does not "know" who these people are or where they currently reside.

During a recent hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, FBI Director Christopher Wray warned about the increased possibility of foreign terrorist organizations directing attacks in the United States since President Biden took office. The senators argue that with an open border, it becomes obvious how and where these organizations could insert their fighters into the country.

The senators believe that it is up to Republicans to use any leverage they can, including the Biden administration's desire to provide foreign aid to Ukraine, to secure the border once and for all. They argue that regardless of views on support for Ukraine, securing America's border and protecting its citizens should take precedence.

The senators propose tying Ukraine funding to achieving benchmarks proving the border is being secured. They suggest using the metric of the number of migrants dispersed in America each month to measure progress. The senators emphasize that each month, the administration should significantly reduce the number of migrants entering the country, and only then should U.S. taxpayer money be released for aid to Ukraine.

In conclusion, the senators call on House Republicans to consider strong legislative language and for Senate Republicans to deny cloture on any Ukraine funding bill that falls short of the requirement to secure the border.

Republican Rick Scott represents Florida in the United States Senate and is a member of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. He is also the former governor of Florida.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/sens-rick-scott-ron-johnson-in-fox-news-before-biden-gives-one-more-dime-to-ukraine-he-must-first-secure-our-border