Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued the following statement in response to Defense Secretary James Mattis’ plans to send additional U.S. troops to the U.S.-Mexico Border.
“This caravan is not the result of a crisis at our border, this is the result of instability, insecurity, and lack of opportunities in Central America. Deploying more of our troops to the U.S.-Mexico Border is not the answer, and it represents the administration’s continued failure to heed the advice of Members of Congress that represent border communities.
To reiterate, and I will break this down into bullet points for ease of comprehension, here is what needs to happen:
- We need to fix years of failed American foreign policy: the U.S. and Mexico need to strengthen the dialogue with every neighbor to the south, and develop strategies to decrease gang violence, grow economies, and incentivize these individuals to live and flourish in their native countries.
- Mexico must take responsibility, now. Mexico must protect its southern border and do more to stem irregular migration. Today, I call on Mexico to be a good neighbor and do just that.
- The U.S. must invest in smarter approaches to successfully secure our nation’s border: a fully staffed U.S. Customs and Border Protection; updated technology; aerostats; and drones. We have limitless cost-effective options that do not include misusing funds on an outdated – and primarily symbolic – physical barrier.
I welcome reasonable and responsible measures that are effective in the long-run and demonstrate a stewardship of taxpayer dollars. However, I cannot condone unwarranted troop deployments. The administration needs a greater focus on regional cooperation and a new playbook on border security. They can reach out to me if they need help writing it – I’ll be standing by.”
