Pennsylvania politicians are reacting to Tuesday’s televised address by President Trump, who called on Congress to approve his plan to build a $5.7 billion steel wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and put an end to the partial government shutdown.
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)
“President Trump shut down the government to force the construction of a wall that security experts say won’t work. A concrete or steel wall is not border security. Instead of continuing his shutdown, President Trump should commit to signing the Republican bills passed by the Democratic House that would reopen the government and secure the border with over $1 billion in funding.
Once the government is reopened, Congress should have a substantial debate on how to fix our broken system and begin work on legislation that mirrors the bipartisan 2013 comprehensive immigration reform bill. That legislation passed with 68 votes in the Senate and provided $40 billion in funding for border security. It also provided order, rules and certainty for individuals and businesses and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.”
U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)
“President Trump showed strong leadership and told our entire nation the harsh truth about the crisis at our southern border and the real consequences of illegal immigration. He made his case directly to the American people, who care about defending our country from crime, drugs, and terrorism just as much as he does. A sovereign nation has a right to secure its borders.
“It is clear to me and to most Americans that constructing a wall along portions of our southern border is not only justifiable but long overdue. The recent murder of Officer Ronil Singh in California – a heroic immigrant to our country who not only followed our laws but devoted his life to enforcing them – by an illegal immigrant gang member is just the latest example of why an intrusion-stopping wall is so necessary. To be very clear: there is nothing controversial about enhancing our security by building a border wall—there are currently 700 miles of border barrier already in place along our southern border. As a candidate, President Trump passionately campaigned on this issue and won.
“As the president emphasized, the ongoing partial government shutdown is totally unnecessary and can be ended tomorrow. The House passed a responsible funding bill that the president is ready to sign; at least half the Senate supports that bill. In fact, more than 150 congressional Democrats voted for steel wall funding as recently as last spring. Senate Democrats who supported a border wall in the past with their words and their votes need to get over their personal hatred of President Trump and put the safety of the American people first.”
Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Val DiGiorgio
“With rampant drug and human trafficking along with thousands of criminals seeking entry into the United States at our southern border, providing true border security is an essential element for the well-being and safety of Americans.
“While we want to encourage legal immigration to our great country, a comprehensive solution is needed to end the plethora of ills stemming from our porous southern border. Lawmakers cannot afford to do nothing on this issue at this critical juncture.
“Throughout this process, Democrats have once again resorted to obstruction, obstinance, and open borders instead of working with the President to achieve a solution that prioritizes the security of all Americans while remaining true to our principles.
“Democrats have shown that they hate Donald Trump more than they love America.
“Democrats should come to the table, understand the nature of the crisis we face as a nation, fund the government, and provide for the most robust border security possible.”
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