Under Democratic control of Washington, millions of illegals invaded America, fentanyl deaths reached all-time highs, and murderous gangs tormented our communities. Record numbers of terrorists, Chinese nationals, and criminals evaded our Border Patrol agents as cartel profits skyrocketed in the process. Tragically, the government lost track of more than 400,000 unaccompanied children with many subjected to sex trafficking.

Americans pleaded for an end to the unprecedented assault on law and order, but Democrats blocked common-sense remedies and shielded administration officials from accountability. They stood idly by as President Biden revoked effective Trump-era policies, including Remain in Mexico and Title 42, while accusing Republicans of fearmongering. Furthermore, Democrats rejected HR 2, funded corrupt NGO’s that facilitated illegal entries, and bypassed an impeachment trial for the disgraced Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Eventually, they acknowledged the undeniable existence of the crisis. However, Democrats adamantly insisted that the President could not resolve it without legislation from Congress. While we’re only a few months into President Trump’s second term, the new administration achieved historic results despite the absence of comprehensive immigration reform. Illegal alien encounters decreased by 93%, fentanyl trafficking dropped by 54%, and individuals who came to our country illegally are being deported. Ultimately, all we needed was a new President.

Even though we celebrate the return toward operational control, Congress must step up and support President Trump’s critical mission. As the lone Arizona member on the House Committee on Homeland Security, I’m proud to have helped advance our robust border security package to ensure a devastating invasion never occurs again.

First and foremost, we allocated more than $46 billion to finish the wall, construct effective river barriers, and substantially modernize surveillance. This, along with halting the abuse of the asylum process, will stop the seemingly endless waves of caravans marching into America. Without droves of unidentifiable aliens overwhelming law enforcement, cartels lose their cover to smuggle weaponized opioids into the interior. Moreover, the reduction in crossings alleviates strain on our hospitals, hotels, and other critical infrastructure meant to support the needs of Americans.

Additionally, we plan to overhaul our Border Patrol stations, training centers, and ports of entry. Larger facilities will allow agents to detain criminal aliens rather than release them due to space limitations. The expanded National Vetting Center and upgraded technology at our ports of entry strengthen efforts to intercept traffickers, terrorists, and gang members attempting to infiltrate our homeland.

To address staffing shortages and low morale caused by open border policies, our proposal aims to hire thousands of officers and support staff. We also incorporated well-deserved annual retention and signing bonuses to reinforce our frontlines. With the Trump administration giving our agents the green light to do their jobs, we anticipate a reversal of high attrition rates and an invigorated defense.

Although the last administration’s policies bankrolled cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, our plan combats their excessive profits and supplies law enforcement with cutting-edge technology. New vehicles, drones, ground detection sensors, and aircraft provide our agents with a dominant tactical advantage and serve as a powerful deterrent. Even the most desolate and isolated areas of our border will be significantly more difficult to breach.

This all-encompassing approach equips our personnel for success, in stark contrast to the flawed legislation introduced last Congress. As you may recall, Democrats and their allies in the corporate media championed the “Senate Border Bill” and ridiculed Republicans for rejecting it.

Their approach allocated billions of dollars to corrupt NGOs, empowered the D.C. District Court to meddle in immigration law, and allowed the mass release of illegals. It also failed to mandate construction of the wall. Worst of all, the deal approved $60 billion to Ukraine compared to just $20 billion to our southern border. Thankfully, we prevented this defective legislation from taking effect.

Though we still have obstacles to overcome given our slim majorities in the House and Senate, I’m optimistic that we will get this done. The American people elected a Republican majority to reverse our nation’s downward trajectory, and securing the border is a top priority.

We must rid our nation of human trafficking, fentanyl overdoses, and lawlessness, and this blueprint directly addresses these evils on society. As your representative, I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to make this a reality, and I appreciate the trust you have bestowed in me.