The Kansas House of Representatives has given its approval to a resolution showing support for the border policies of the state of Texas. They have also urged Gov. Laura Kelly to support Texas in any way possible, including the deployment of members from the Kansas National Guard to assist in the state.
Before the vote, Rep. Pat Proctor, R-Leavenworth, addressed a crowd of approximately 40 individuals on the south steps of the Statehouse. The rally was held in support of the resolution. At 10 a.m., several Kansas legislators, former lawmakers, and attendees took turns speaking.
Proctor expressed his concern to the crowd, stating that the influx of people into the country is undoubtedly an invasion. He highlighted the alarming statistics, with two and a half million people arriving last year and 2.2 million the year before. Proctor also emphasized the devastating consequences, with 100,000 deaths in the country attributed to fentanyl overdose.
More than half of the house cosponsored the resolution, stating that the federal government has failed to protect the country from what is now considered an invasion. Texas and the federal government have had different approaches to immigration enforcement, which is not usually a power that states engage in.
The resolution passed in the Statehouse may not hold any governing power, but it serves as a powerful message from the members of the House, expressing their support for Texas.
In a recent ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the authority of Border Patrol agents to remove razor wire that had been placed by Texas officers. However, the court did not restrict Texas from installing additional wire or other barriers to deter individuals from crossing the border.
Almost every Republican governor in the United States has shown their support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s border policy by signing letters. Additionally, over a dozen governors have taken action by deploying their respective National Guard troops to assist Texas in ensuring border security.
Republicans expressed their support for the resolution, emphasizing that the surge in illegal border crossings should be regarded as an invasion. They firmly believe that Texas has the authority to implement measures to protect its borders. Additionally, they highlighted the alarming increase in the trafficking of fentanyl across the border, which is causing a devastating loss of American lives.
Democrats responded by arguing that invasions are typically associated with military operations. They emphasized that the federal government has the constitutional authority to protect the borders of the United States. Additionally, they highlighted the fact that approximately 85% of fentanyl seized at the border is trafficked by U.S. citizens.
They engaged in a heated debate regarding the advantages of a bill advocated by President Joe Biden in the U.S. Congress. This bill entails allocating $20 billion to enhance border security through the deployment of additional border agents, expediting deportation procedures, and implementing fentanyl-detecting technology. Additionally, it includes a provision for $60 billion in aid to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia and $14 billion to fund the war efforts in Israel.
During the discussion, the representatives were also sidetracked by procedural matters. For instance, Rep. Ford Carr, a Democrat from Wichita, suggested that the resolution should be sent to a committee for further deliberation, allowing experts and citizens to provide their insights. However, this motion was ultimately rejected by the House. Another point of contention arose when some members debated whether House Minority Leader Vic Miller’s display of the resolution could be considered the use of a prop. While this action was not explicitly prohibited by the House rules, it was deemed to go against “tradition and precedent.”
The rules committee opposed Miller’s utilization of the resolution.
Governor Laura Kelly recently expressed her openness to deploying troops to the border, emphasizing that she would support such action if it aligns with the federal process.
“We have previously deployed troops to the border,” Kelly informed reporters. “It is crucial to understand that this is a federal matter. Hence, if the troops are dispatched, they will be serving as federal troops, not as the Kansas National Guard.”