TL/DR –
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly is urging Congress to reconsider a bipartisan border security and immigration bill that was put together by senators from both parties. The bill, which has been stalled, would have led to the hiring of more than 1,000 additional border patrol agents, the application of new technology to detect drugs, and an updated asylum system. Critics argue that the bill has been squelched by Republicans who may be seeking to use border crisis as an election issue.
Arizona Senator Urges Passage of Bipartisan Immigration Bill
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has called on Congress to reconsider the bipartisan border security and immigration bill crafted by his fellow Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma, and Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut.
The proposed legislation offers solutions that America needs, but has faced opposition from Republican politicians and former President Donald Trump.
Kelly highlighted the potential benefits if the Sinema bill had been passed, which would have included hiring more than 1,000 additional border patrol agents and implementing new technology to detect and seize fentanyl.
Bill Would’ve Enhanced Border Security, Updated Asylum System
The bill also proposed new authorities to prevent border overwhelm and an updated asylum system with more officers to screen claims quickly. However, Arizona currently has none of these measures in place.
Despite a poll by the Center for the Future of Arizona showing Arizona residents desire a bipartisan solution, Republicans have blocked the bill for use as an election issue.
Republicans Accused of Fostering Border Crisis for Political Gain
Republican leaders such as Arizona U.S. Reps. Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar, and Eli Crane, along with U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake, were among those accused of stalling the bill through misinformation.
In contrast, Sinema has stated that her bill would have effectively closed the border every day of the year up to this point. The bill was also endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council, as well as various business leaders and elected officials in Arizona.
Kelly’s Plea to Congress
Kelly criticized the failure to pass the border agreement, stating that it was a missed opportunity to address the border crisis in a bipartisan manner. He called on Congress to pass the bipartisan border agreement and overcome the low expectations that the American public has for it.
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