Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) released a statement regarding the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

“This year’s Homeland Security Appropriations bill provides funding to protect our seaports and airports, makes investments in the cybersecurity of our nation’s critical infrastructure, supports those who protect our nation, including the brave men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and prepares the nation for major disaster response and recovery efforts,” said Rutherford.

He further emphasized that the bill addresses border security issues by allocating $600 million for constructing a southern border wall, funding for 22,000 Border Patrol agents, border security technology to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, and 50,000 detention beds for illegal immigrants awaiting deportation. "This bill also forces Secretary Mayorkas to adhere to the law and funds the detention, transportation, and removal of dangerous criminal aliens from our communities," Rutherford added.

Rutherford noted that the legislation counters foreign adversaries such as China by providing resources to the U.S. Coast Guard for protecting national waters. He criticized current administrative priorities by stating: "It focuses the Department of Homeland Security on its core responsibility of protecting the American people, not promoting equity action plans or critical race theory."

The congressman highlighted local benefits included in the bill: “Not only does this bill bolster our homeland security, but it also brings over $2.5 million to Northeast Florida through Community Project Funding for the St. Johns Hazard Mitigation Infrastructure Improvement Project to provide long-term flood control to over 10,000 residents and 3,000 commercial properties.”

Rutherford concluded with a call to prioritize national safety: “We must put the safety and security of our homeland first, which starts with building the wall, removing dangerous criminals, protecting our coastal waters, and countering the spread of fentanyl across our border. That’s why I am proud to pass this year’s Homeland Security Appropriations bill.”

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