House Democrats launch new border security task force

On Tuesday, more than two dozen House Democrats created a border security taskforce as they redoubled their efforts to improve border policies in anticipation of the 2024 elections.

The task force is co-chaired jointly by Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas and Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y. Its mission is to “counter the surge in illicit narcotics threatening the communities throughout the country as well as address the influx of illegal migration at the Southern border,” Cuellar’s office stated in a press release.

In recent weeks, moderate Democrats have put more pressure on Biden to reach a compromise with Republicans regarding border security. House Republicans had previously rejected a bipartisan bill on border security passed by the Senate last month.

Cuellar stated in a press release that “cities across the nation are now feeling consequences of the humanitarian crises at the border – something border communities have dealt with for years.” “This crisis cannot be sustained, and Democrats must have a platform to discuss border security policies as the GOP continues its partisan politics.”

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Most Democrats have rejected Republican demands for major changes to border security policies. Republicans say that the reforms proposed by Democrats are not enough. The debate in the House has brought all legislation to a halt, including measures relating to government funding.

According to polls, the border will continue to be a major issue for voters in 2024. Suozzi, who won the Long Island special elections last month, ran a campaign that focused on border issues and urged reforms but did not criticize the president.

Cuellar is one of the more moderate members of the House Democratic Caucus and has been one of the loudest critics of President Obama’s border policy. He and 13 other Democrats voted on Tuesday for a GOP led measure criticizing Biden’s border policies and urging him use expanded executive power to rein in immigration.

Cuellar’s Office said that the task force would be a forum where Democrats could discuss border security issues and take part in them. It will also hold meetings with Biden Administration and other stakeholders to develop policies.