East Idaho Times

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, has voted in favor of a stop-gap funding measure that will ensure the continued payment of border security agents. The measure, S. Amdt. to H.R. 2872 – Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024, extends appropriations and authorities for various subcommittees through March 1 or March 8, 2024.

Rep. Simpson emphasized the importance of supporting border security agents and preventing a government shutdown: "A vote to shut down the government is a vote to take away the paycheck of the nearly 20,000 border security agents who are working to keep fentanyl out of our country and protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking." He further highlighted the need to secure the southern border but cautioned against using government funding as a political tool. Rep. Simpson stressed that Congress has a constitutional duty to fund the government and that the House Appropriations Committee is actively working to address spending through conservative single-subject appropriations bills.

The decision to continue funding for border security agents comes at a crucial time when rates of human and drug trafficking have been on the rise. In the previous fiscal year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized a staggering 27,293 pounds of fentanyl at the Southwest border. This quantity of drugs is enough to kill more than 6 billion people. Additionally, CBP reported a record number of 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist who were apprehended while attempting to cross the southern border.

The stop-gap funding measure received bipartisan support and was approved with a vote of 314 – 108. This decision ensures that the essential work of border security agents can continue uninterrupted. As Rep. Simpson stated, "Shutting down the government – whether it’s a partial or total – jeopardizes these very goals my colleagues and I are working hard to accomplish."

The ongoing efforts to secure the southern border and protect the nation from drug and human trafficking require sustained funding and support. Rep. Simpson's vote to keep paying border security agents reinforces the commitment to these vital objectives.