East Idaho Times

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson on May 11, 2023 voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act after successful negotiations to protect American agriculture producers and ensure farmers have the time to obtain a legal and secure workforce before e-verify requirements are imposed on our agriculture communities. This legislation led by Speaker McCarthy strengthens border security and closes existing loopholes within President Biden’s current immigration policies.

“Thanks to President Biden, the southern border is the worst we’ve seen in decades.  His 94 executive actions on immigration in the first 100 days of his presidency have weakened border security, allowed the deadly flow of fentanyl to infiltrate our country, and incentivized unprecedented levels of illegal immigration.  This trajectory simply cannot continue,” said Simpson.

The bill provides comprehensive solutions that build on initiatives led by President Trump including resuming construction of the border wall, providing retention bonuses and hiring additional Border Patrol Agents, ending catch and release by reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” program, deploying stronger border technologies, and protecting unaccompanied children from human trafficking.

“Particularly as Title 42 comes to an end, it’s crucial that we act to secure the border.  Securing the border and stopping this crisis is the first, crucial step to solving the larger problem within our immigration system,” continued Simpson.  “I have long advocated for reforms to provide farmers, ranchers, and growers access to a verified, stable, and secure workforce.  I have successfully worked with a group of colleagues on a solution that will solve our current agriculture labor crisis.  Legislation has passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support twice, and after successful discussions in negotiating the Secure the Border Act, I am confident that leadership will provide a pathway forward to solve the agricultural labor crisis and achieve a verified workforce.  Providing that legal workforce is critical to the farmers and ranchers who feed and clothe our nation.”

H.R. 2 passed in the House of Representatives on May 11, 2023, by a vote of 219-213.

Original source can be found here.