Staff Reports
Conservative Radio host Hugh Hewitt grilled Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma about the disappointing lack of provisions mandating the construction of a border wall in the bipartisan border security bill. The bill, titled the “Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024,” may have some good points, like aid to Ukraine and Israel, but it falls short when it comes to protecting our own borders.
‘Why Doesn’t It Start Now?’: Hugh Hewitt Presses James Lankford On Delay In Border Wall Under Senate Deal | The Daily Caller https://t.co/MT7Rxhk2qd
— Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) February 5, 2024
Lankford tried to defend the bill’s lack of urgency by claiming that it ensures future administrations can still build the wall. But come on, we need action now! Why wait? Hewitt asked Lankford why they didn’t start building the wall immediately, and why it couldn’t be completed by November. These are valid questions that demand answers.
Lankford’s response was weak. He said the bill doesn’t mandate wall construction but provides the authority to do so. He claimed that it was done this way to use it as a political issue during the 2024 election. Really? Are we just playing politics while our border remains vulnerable? This is unacceptable!
Hewitt, being the voice of reason, pointed out that they could have written a law to start building the wall within six months. The United States has the capability to get it done, but they chose not to. It’s truly disappointing to see Republicans not fighting harder on this crucial issue.
Lankford’s excuse that it would take too long is just ridiculous. We have 2,000 miles of border, and currently, only 750 miles have some form of construction. If they really wanted to secure our borders, they would prioritize completing the remaining 1,250 miles. It’s clear that they lack the sense of urgency necessary to protect our country.
The bill’s text may mention steel bollard pedestrian barriers, but that’s not enough. We need a comprehensive plan that includes the construction of a physical wall. Lankford may argue that they made sure the money couldn’t be wasted on anything else, but that doesn’t change the fact that the bill falls short of our expectations.
It’s frustrating to see Republicans settling for half-measures when it comes to border security. In a time of increased illegal immigration and security threats, we need bold and decisive action. We need a Republican Party that stands up for the safety and security of the American people. Let’s hope they step up their game and prioritize the construction of a border wall before it’s too late.
