Barry Moore blasts Democrats, blames them for energy crisis
Rep. Barry Moore issued a statement on H.R. 7688, the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act, a bill that Moore believes seeks to blame energy producers for high energy prices by outlawing price gouging. Price gouging is already illegal. According to Moore’s press release, this bill is an attempt by the democrats to distract and shift blame from the administration’s self-inflicted energy and inflation crisis and blame energy producers, despite no evidence of price gouging. At an Energy & Commerce hearing earlier this month when confronted with the question, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said, “I’m not sure anyone is saying there is wholesale gouging”. “The Biden administration crippled American energy production, reducing supply and driving up prices, yet is blaming energy producers for the crisis by pushing a bill prohibiting price gouging, which is already illegal,” said Moore. “This outrageous hypocrisy is why Americans hate Washington and is the perfect illustration of why voters are increasingly losing trust in Democrats to offer solutions for the crises they face.” The Biden administration canceled the Keystone XL pipeline and suspended oil and gas leasing on federal lands. Additionally, the administration has discouraged development of American natural resources leading to a surge in U.S. oil and gasoline prices over the past sixteen months. Moore also argued that House Democrats have repeatedly blocked attempts by Republicans to bring bills to the floor that would actually address the problem and return the U.S. to the energy-independent nation it was during the Trump administration. “H.R. 7688 would take the unprecedented step to allow the FTC to investigate and take enforcement action against “unconscionable pricing” in consumer fuels, a term that is not defined by the bill and amounts to a socialist price-fixing scheme that hurts small businesses and consumers the most,” wrote Moore. “Democrats are further politicizing the FTC by giving these wide-ranging powers based on undefined parameters that will allow it to usurp market forces and set government-controlled gasoline prices, a step that history has shown will lead to less energy production and further exacerbate families’ pain at the pump.” Just last week, President Joe Biden canceled the three remaining oil and gas lease sales scheduled in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico, and the Administration has failed to plan any future lease sales
Barry Moore blasts Democrats for ineffective solution to self-inflicted baby formula crisis
Rep. Barry Moore issued a statement on H.R. 7790 – Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act. Moore blamed Democrats for letting the formula supply issue go on for months. In February, baby formula producer Abbott Nutrition closed its doors while inspections occurred after a voluntary recall of formula. The production plant never resolved the issues, exacerbating the supply chain issues from Covid. On Wednesday, as pressure mounted to find a solution to a months-long problem, President Joe Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to speed production of infant formula and authorized flights to import supplies from overseas. Moore was also critical of the Biden Administration because Congress has already provided funding to address supply chain issues, and they are sitting on $1 billion that the Department of Agriculture could use to address issues like this one. “Asking taxpayers to bail the government out of a crisis it created and let fester for months is Washington at its worst,” stated Moore. “For Democrats, the only solution to every government-caused problem seems to be more government. The antidote after being poisoned is never to take a second dose.” The FDA received a $102 million budget increase just two months ago, including $11 million specifically for maternal and infant health and nutrition. According to Moore, House Republican proposals for strong oversight and a comprehensive approach to the problem were rejected by Democrats, including: Forcing the FDA to develop a plan to address the shortage Accounting for excess stocks of formula at federal agencies that could go to American households Leveraging the federal government’s logistics capabilities to get formula to shelves as quickly as possible
Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. Supreme Court leak on Roe v. Wade reversal
According to a Politico report, a leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court may be set to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion in the U.S. According to the report, the leaked document was labeled a “1st Draft” of the “Opinion of the Court” in a case challenging Mississippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks, a case known as Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. A decision in the case is expected before the court begins its summer recess in late June or early July. Alabama leaders are reacting to the news and to the leak, something that is extremely rare for the Supreme Court. Many condemned the leak saying that it was meant to disrupt the court’s decision. Gov. Kay Ivey stated on Twitter, “This unprecedented leak is concerning, outrageous and a blatant attempt to manipulate the sacred procedures of the U.S. Supreme Court. Those responsible should be held accountable. My prayer is that Roe v. Wade is overturned and that life prevails. Tonight let us say a prayer for life and that our Justices remain steadfast in their convictions. Here in Alabama, we will continue fighting for the unborn.” Congressman Barry Moore issued a statement on the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion calling it “dangerous” and blaming Democrats and their “radical agenda.” “Tonight’s outrageous and unprecedented leak is astonishingly dangerous and further proof that nothing obstructing the Left’s radical agenda is safe, despite the consequences,” said Moore. “I am terribly concerned for the repercussions of this leak and the broader dangers of an ideology in which the ends always justify the means. “Much remains unknown about this draft opinion, and even if it is authentic, justices can change positions on cases up until the last minute. But nothing can change the fact that Roe was a horrendous, politically-charged decision by an activist court with, at best, weak Constitutional footing. It is my sincere hope that Roe is overturned and this country’s tragic and shameful era of the widespread and indiscriminate legal termination of the lives of millions of unborn children can start to be brought to a close. “We don’t know how the next days and weeks will unfold, but with great conviction I believe that our country needs our fervent prayer now more than ever,” Moore concluded. Rep. Robert Aderholt released a statement agreeing with the reversal of Roe V. Wade. Aderholt called the ruling “deeply flawed.” “I have read the news reports on the draft opinion indicating that the high court is set to overturn Roe V. Wade. We, of course, will have to wait and see if this report is true when the court actually releases its official opinion in the coming weeks; however, if the opinion stands, then it is a great decision for the protection of innocent life in America,” stated Aderhold. “The original arguments of Roe V. Wade in 1973 were deeply flawed and attempted to create a constitutional right to privacy where one did not exist.” Aderholt continued, “Let’s be clear, though. The overturning of Roe will not make abortion illegal. It will simply leave the legality up to each individual state. While this will certainly reduce abortions by a great number, there will sadly still be thousands of abortions in states where it will remain legal. I’m glad to say Alabama will not be one of them. “However, we cannot take this decision for granted. I will always remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable among us, and there are none more vulnerable than the unborn. Regardless of the decision, we must continue to fight to protect the lives of our unborn children. And as Co-Chairman of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I will continue to support meaningful alternatives to abortion.” Rep. Jerry Carl stated on Twitter, “Last night’s leak of the Supreme Court draft opinion to potentially overturn Roe v. Wade is a shameful attempt by the radical pro-abortion Left to sway our Supreme Court justices. All life is made in the image of God, and I will never stop fighting to protect life at all stages!” Rep. Terri Sewell stated on Twitter, “The draft opinion by SCOTUS is a devastating blow to women’s reproductive rights. A woman’s personal health decisions should be made between her and her doctor. The Senate must pass the #WHPA so that women everywhere can access a full range of reproductive health care services.” President Joe Biden reacted to the news, calling on voters and elected officials to protect women. “If the court does overturn Roe, it will fall on our nation’s elected officials at all levels of government to protect a woman’s right to choose,” Biden stated. “And it will fall on voters to elect pro-choice officials this November. At the federal level, we will need more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice majority in the House to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, which I will work to pass and sign into law.”
Barry Moore introduces HITS Act to cut taxes for Americans
Rep. Barry Moore has introduced new legislation to provide the equivalent of a 6-month Federal income tax holiday for millions of Americans. The Household Income Tax Suspension Act(HITS Act) would stimulate economic recovery by allowing working Americans to keep more of their money Moore argued that creating an income tax holiday would be a more economically sound stimulus policy than fueling inflation through more government spending. For the 2022 tax year, tax filers in the following categories would see their tax liability cut in half. In the case of a joint return or surviving spouse, a gross income of $83,550 or less. In the case of a head of household, a gross income of $55,000 or less. In any other case, a gross income of $41,775 or less. If gross income exceeds these amounts, the tax cut would then be phased out up to the additional amounts below. In the case of a joint return or surviving spouse, $20,000. In the case of a head of household, $13,380. In any other case, $10,000. Moore stated in a press release, “Instead of driving record inflation by printing money that we don’t have in the name of COVID-19 relief, we should cut taxes and let our workforce keep more of their hard-earned money. The answer to providing real relief to millions of Americans is not to weigh down the economy with more spending but to unleash those who power sustainable economic prosperity.” Moore commented on Twitter, “We should be cutting taxes, not paying more for Biden’s failed policies that fuel inflation. That’s why I introduced the HITS Act to provide an income tax holiday for millions of Americans who support the American economy.”
Steve Flowers: Congressional lines and Congressmen will remain the same
For several years leading up to the 2010 Census count, the national projections were that Alabama would lose one of our seven congressional districts and drop to six. When the count was taken, we surprised ourselves and the nation and kept our seven seats in the United States Congress. Therefore, the legislature’s task in drawing our seven congressional districts was relatively easy. Except for some tweaking here and there due to growth in Madison, Limestone, Lee, Shelby, and especially Baldwin counties, and the loss of population in the Black Belt, our congressional district lines were kept basically the same as they have been for the past few decades. We essentially have six of our seven districts that are safe Republican seats. We have one dedicated majority minority African American Democratic Congressional District. That Democratic seat is held by Congresswoman Terri Sewell. She has been in that seat for over a decade and has become a respected leader in the Democratic House leadership. The Democrats are in the majority, which makes her a powerful member of the House. However, most political experts and polling indicate that this year’s election will bring a swing of 30 or more Republican seat pickups or takeovers, thus making the Republicans the majority party. This will be beneficial for Alabama since six of our seven seats are held by Republicans. It will be particularly beneficial to folks in the fourth district, who have Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) as their Congressman. Aderholt is the most senior member of our delegation and is the ranking Republican on the House Appropriation Committee. Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Anniston) is also gaining ground in seniority. He is a ranking member of the Armed Services Committee. Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Jefferson) represents the suburban areas of metro-Jefferson, Hoover, and Shelby. It is considered one of the most Republican House districts in America. We have two freshmen Republican Congressmen who are finishing their first two years in the House. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) represents the coastal first district of basically Mobile and Baldwin Counties. He has taken to Congress like a duck to water. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) represents the second district made up of the Wiregrass and the fast-growing Pike Road area of Montgomery, as well as the populous counties of Autauga and Elmore. All six of the aforementioned incumbents will be reelected without opposition. The only excitement in Congressional politics in the Heart of Dixie will play out in the fifth district. This Huntsville-Tennessee Valley seat is currently held by Mo Brooks, who has opted to run for the U.S. Senate, thus leaving a seldom seen open congressional seat contest. There are six Republicans vying for this open fifth district seat. The contestants are Dale Strong, Paul Sanford, Casey Wardynski, Harrison Wright, Andy Blalock, and John Roberts. Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong appears to be the strongest candidate. He is far outdistancing the field in polling and fundraising. Some say that he could eclipse the field without a runoff. The most ardent challengers will be former State Senator Paul Sanford and former Huntsville City School Superintendent Casey Wardynski. Dr. Wardynski has done a good job fundraising. There will be a large turnout in this congressional race. In fact, this Huntsville-Madison-Limestone Tennessee Valley area of the state will more than likely have the largest percentage turnout in the state. Not only is there an open congressional seat, but Mo Brooks is the local candidate for the open U.S. Senate Seat, and popular, incumbent Republican state school board member, Wayne Reynolds, will also be on the ballot with token opposition. In addition, the only hotly contested Republican State Senate race between Tom Butler and Bill Holtzclaw is in the Madison-Limestone area. There are also three open hotly contested State House races, including filling the seats of Speaker Mac McCutcheon and veteran House member Howard Sanderford. There is also a hotly contested open sheriff’s race in Limestone County. Furthermore, the phantom candidate for the U.S. Senate, Mike Durant, claims Huntsville as his home. All of these ingredients are a recipe for a larger turnout in the Tennessee Valley than the rest of the state on May 24. The Congressional lines and six of seven congressmen will remain the same for this 2022 election cycle. However, hold the phone. The federal courts could change that for 2024. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
Barry Moore joins lawsuit to end mask mandate for air travel
Representative Barry Moore has joined sixteen of his colleagues in a lawsuit against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The lawsuit, Massie et al v. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seeks to end the CDC’s mask mandate for individuals traveling on commercial airlines. Reports indicate the Biden Administration is extending the CDC’s mask mandate until April 18. Massie et al. v. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The named defendants are Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rochelle P. Walensky in her official capacity as Director of the CDC, and Sherri A. Berger in her official capacity as Chief of Staff of the CDC. The lawsuit contains two primary claims: First, none of the statutes or regulations cited by the CDC for the authority to mandate that individuals wear masks on commercial airlines, conveyances, and at transportation hubs, permit the CDC to implement or enforce this mandate. Second, even if Congress had granted the CDC the authority to promulgate the mask mandate, the granting of this authority would violate a principle known as the “non-delegation doctrine.” Moore and his co-plaintiffs are asking a federal court to declare that “the mask mandate is beyond the CDC’s statutory authority or is unconstitutional.” The plaintiffs are also seeking an injunction that prohibits the CDC, or anyone acting on the CDC’s behalf, from enforcing the mask mandate. Rep. Thomas Massie argued that the CDC doesn’t have the authority to force people to wear masks on airplanes because Congress never passed a law requiring it. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not have the legal authority to force people traveling on commercial airlines to wear masks,” stated Massie. “Congress never passed a law requiring masks on commercial flights. This lawsuit targets the faceless bureaucrats who are behind the CDC’s unscientific regulation so that this illegal mask mandate can be brought to a permanent end.” Moore argued that the mandate should end immediately because it infringes on constitutional freedoms. “Government bureaucrats desperate for relevancy are waging a war against everyday American citizens and their constitutional freedoms,” stated Rep. Moore. “The unscientific mask mandate for commercial air travel should be ended immediately, and I am proud to join my friend Rep. Massie in this lawsuit to end this charade permanently.” Additional plaintiffs for the lawsuit include Reps. Thomas Massie, Rand Paul, Andy Biggs, Dan Bishop, Lauren Boebert, Andrew Clyde, Warren Davidson, Bob Good, Paul Gosar, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Brian Mast, Alex Mooney, Ralph Norman, Bill Posey, Matt Rosendale, and Chip Roy.
Mo Brooks signs resolution to charge Vladimir Putin with war crimes if Ukrainian president harmed
Congressman Mo Brooks co-sponsored a resolution asking for Vladimir Putin to be charged with war crimes if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is harmed by Russian forces. Texas Rep. Michael Burgess wrote resolution H.Con.Res. 76. Brooks joined U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt, Barry Moore, and Gary Palmer in cosponsoring the resolution. “Vladimir Putin is an evil dictator. He has a long track record of poisoning and imprisoning political opponents. He has viciously brought war to the peaceful Ukrainian people. He’s a tyrant akin to the worst in world history such as the murderous Adolph Hitler, Mao Zedong, Joseph Stalin, and Pol Pot, Brooks said in a press release. Brooks emphasized the need for Putin to face stiff consequences for what he has done. “The United States and freedom-loving nations worldwide must confront him as such. If his vicious, unprovoked attack on Ukraine results in one scratch on Ukrainian President Zelensky, Putin should be charged with war crimes and brought to justice.” Brooks concluded, “History teaches us that dictators are emboldened when freedom-loving countries do nothing to confront them. Putin must face stiff consequences for his diabolical actions or he’ll continue wreaking havoc. I support making life as hellish as possible for Putin and his oligarchical cronies, and I urge the Russian people to bravely stand up and do what America regularly does: replace our political leaders. Putin has terrorized long enough.” The resolution stated that Russian entities had been linked to the poisoning of several political dissidents and Russian enemies, including Ukrainian Presidential candidate Viktor Yuschenko in 2004, Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya in 2004, former Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officer Alexander Litvinenko in 2006, former Russian FSB officer Sergey Skripal in 2018, and Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny in 2020.
Barry Moore joins legislation to address IRS backlog
Rep. Barry Moore joined his colleagues to introduce the IRS Priorities Act to demand the IRS address the staggering backlog of over 8 million unprocessed tax returns. The bill would also bar the IRS from hiring any new enforcement officers until the backlogs of the past two years are processed. According to a Washington Post report in February, nearly 24 million taxpayers are still waiting for the IRS to process their tax returns from last year — a number far larger than previously reported by the agency. In the past, the agency usually only carried 1 million or fewer returns into the next tax season. The IRS’s productivity dropped during the pandemic as thousands of employees worked from home for months without access to returns, audits and other business. Because of the excessive backlog, IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate Service will not accept cases solely involving amended tax returns, thereby leaving millions of Americans without help. IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig said the problem has been compounded by a lack of funding to hire new staff and the need to modernize iaging computer software systems, some of which date to the 1960s. According to democrat Richard Neal, the GOP is to blame. “For decades, Republicans have starved the IRS of funding, and now American taxpayers are paying the price,” stated Neal, chairman the House Ways and Means Committee. “The backlog of tax returns is but one symptom of the fundamental issue that has been ailing the IRS for too long: inadequate resources.” Moore was critical of President Joe Biden, arguing that instead of prioritizing this backlog and the taxpayer, Biden has made it clear that his priority is turning the IRS into a surveillance and enforcement watchdog. “President Biden clearly does not have a plan to address the historic backlog at the IRS, and it’s time for Congress to step in and ensure hard-working Americans recover the money they already earned,” stated Moore. “We must ensure that the IRS actually does its job of assisting taxpayers with the convoluted tax code, before even considering hiring any more enforcement officers.”
Reps. Barry Moore and Mo Brooks demand DOD halt involuntary discharges for vaccine refusal immediately
Reps. Barry Moore and Mo Brooks joined 40 of their colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of Defense (DOD) to demand that they halt efforts to involuntarily discharge members of the military who have refused COVID-19 vaccination. The letter requests that they stop until an in-depth review of natural immunity is complete, and the Department has issued uniform procedures for vaccine exemptions. According to Moore’s press release, Section 720 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 requires the DOD to establish uniform procedures for issuing exemptions and fully consider natural immunity. This includes eligibility timelines for consideration of exemptions for service members nearing separation and retirement in the development of uniform procedures relating to administrative exemptions. According to an NPR report, as of January 26, 96% of active troops had been completely vaccinated, while 3,350 soldiers had refused to get the vaccine. Nearly 5,900 have received temporary exemptions. “The DOD must immediately halt efforts to discharge our active-duty military members who refuse to get the vaccine just because overreaching politicians want to continue intervening in the private lives of the American people,” said Moore. “We must ensure that the DOD completes an in-depth review of natural immunity. I will continue to fight against the tyrannical vaccine mandate on our service members.” The letter states, “We are gravely concerned that the military services are proceeding with involuntary discharges when it is unclear to us whether uniform procedures have been issued by the Department of Defense. If the Department of Defense has not issued uniform procedures or reviewed the inclusion of natural immunity and the military services are moving forward with involuntary discharges, then we believe the Department is ignoring and violating Section 720. Congress included this language to protect our service members, and we expect the Department of Defense to abide by the law.” Additional members of Congress to sign the letter include Vicky Hartzler, Doug Lamborn, Elise Stefanik, Brian Mast, David McKinley, Darrell Issa, Kevin Hern, Rodney Davis, Bill Huizenga, Yvette Herrell, Michael Waltz, Bill Posey, Michael Guest, David Valadao, Thomas Tiffany, Pete Stauber, Mike Kelly, Andy Biggs, Neal Dunn, Gus Bilirakis, Dan Crenshaw, Randy Weber, Sr., Louie Gohmert, Lauren Boebert, Glenn Grothman, Alex Mooney, Joe Wilson, Scott DesJarlais, Jack Bergman, David Schweikert, Jeff Duncan, Ralph Norman, Bruce Westerman, Jim Banks, Rick Crawford, Jodey Arrington, Christopher H. Smith, Victoria Spartz, Ted Budd, and Gregory Steube.
Barry Moore signs letter urging Joe Biden to hold China accountable
Rep. Barry Moore joined 57 other members of Congress in signing a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for neglecting their commitments made during the Trump administration to make the U.S. – China agricultural trade relationship more balanced and reciprocal. Two years ago, the United States and China signed a two-year trade deal that required China to make reforms to its trade regime and import $73.9 billion of U.S. agricultural products in 2020 and 2021 combined. China failed to live up to that commitment by $16 billion. The members urged President Biden, U.S. Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to rectify the situation and stand for U.S. agricultural producers. “President Biden’s weakness on the global stage in Afghanistan, Ukraine and beyond has sent the message that other nations can walk all over us, so this administration must take immediate actions to stand up for America and ensure nations like China honor their commitments,” said Moore in a press release. “American farmers and ranchers produce the highest quality crops, livestock, poultry, and dairy products in the world, and we cannot continue to allow China to target them without consequences. The ability of U.S. agriculture to participate in a worldwide marketplace is essential to our markets at home and the ability to make a profit, and I am proud to join my colleagues to demand immediate action from the President.” “President Biden either needs to force China to comply with their end of the agreement or punish them for failing to do so. That’s how deals work,” said Rep. Tracey Mann. “This administration must address the full suite of issues in a comprehensive and holistic manner and hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for treating America and its farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers like a doormat. My colleagues and I are calling for immediate action.” “America must enforce our agreements,” said Rep. August Pfluger. “I am proud to join my colleagues in calling on President Biden to hold China accountable for their Phase One commitments. This administration must take immediate action and stand up for the agricultural producers that feed and clothe our nation. It’s time to put the United States first and stand up to our adversaries.”
Barry Moore cosponsors bill to make Donald Trump tax cuts permanent
Rep. Barry Moore announced he has cosponsored the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act which will make permanent the tax cuts for working-class families and Main Street businesses. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight with my Republican colleagues to give American families more financial certainty by allowing them to keep as much of their money in their own pockets as possible,” stated Moore. “By making the Trump tax cuts permanent, the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act will help protect American families from the Biden Administration’s catastrophic handling of the economy. Working Americans should be free to spend the money they earn on their families and businesses, and I am committed to fighting the Left’s agenda to fleece taxpayers and enrich Big Government.” The bill, originally introduced by Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) in 2017, would make permanent several of the tax reforms that are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. The bill makes permanent provisions, including reducing individual tax rates, increasing and modifying the child tax credit, and allowing a deduction for qualified business income of pass-through entities, among others. The bill would permanently double the standard deduction to $12,950 for single filers and $25,900 for joint filers. Additionally, it would double the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 with up to $1,400 refundable, retain certain popular tax deductions, and keep a 20% tax deduction for certain small businesses. Davis argued that the tax cuts help the middle class. “We’ve seen the IRS finally come around and say what [House Republicans] have been saying that working with President Trump, helping craft and pass the Trump Tax Cut bill has put more money in the pockets of middle-class families than any other income level, Davis stated. “Now, the problem with the Trump Tax Cut Bill – the Democrats in the Senate would not allow the individual tax rates to be permanent. They are going to expire. We need to fix that, and that’s exactly what my bill does. The tax savings that families are enjoying now do not need to go away. The Democrats were okay with corporate tax rates being permanent but not individual tax rates. My bill would help families, help small businesses who file as pass-through companies and not through the corporate tax code – that’s the reason why we need to get this done.”
Jerry Carl and Barry Moore call on Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to resign
U.S. Reps. Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, and 44 GOP colleagues sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, calling on him to resign. The group blames Mayorkas for the current border situation. According to Rep. Andy Barr (KY), under Mayorkas’ leadership, the Remain in Mexico Policy is largely ignored, despite court orders to restore the program. Additionally, border apprehensions have more than tripled over FY 2020, while deportations have dropped by 70%. FY2021 saw over 100,000 fentanyl overdose deaths, and border agents have apprehended over 11,000 pounds of fentanyl at the border in FY 2021. During Donald Trump’s presidency, the Remain in Mexico policy required tens of thousands of migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. to turn back to Mexico. It was meant to discourage asylum seekers, but critics said it denied people the legal right to seek protection in the U.S. The letter states, “In light of recent reports displaying your failure to execute the primary mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure our nation from its many threats through your inability and refusal to enforce the immigration laws, we call on you to resign as Secretary of Homeland Security.” The letter also states that Border Patrol agents are not feeling supported by Mayorkas. “A leaked recording from a recent meeting in Yuma, Arizona, confirmed the dwindling confidence Border Patrol agents have in the Department and its Secretary. In the recording, you acknowledged those agents are doing tasks outside of their job description and that their job is continually demonized. Additionally, they asserted that they feel no support from their Secretary. You have admitted to making border Patrol agents’ jobs more difficult, yet do nothing to ameliorate that problem. Instead, you make it exponentially harder for agents to do their job by implementing Biden administration directives that go against their Congressionally-mandated responsibilities.” In a statement, Rep. Carl argued that Mayorkas had put the U.S. at risk. “The primary mission of Homeland Security is to keep our nation safe and secure from threats, but Secretary Mayorkas has utterly failed to execute this mission. Because of Secretary Mayorkas’ failures, hundreds of thousands of immigrants are attempting to cross our southern border every single month. “Many of these migrants are bringing crime and illegal drugs with them, and this is making America FAR less safe. My colleagues and I are calling for Secretary Mayorkas to immediately resign and for President Biden to finally get serious about fixing the crisis at our border.” Additional Members of the House of Representatives who signed the letter are Andy Barr (KY), Brian Babin (TX), Andy Biggs (AZ), Tom Tiffany (WI), Tom Rice (SC), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA), Clay Higgins (LA), Yvette Herrell (NM), Bob Good (VA), Lauren Boebert (CO), Scott Perry (PA), Ronny L. Jackson (TX), Glenn Grothman (WI), Louie Gohmert (TX), Randy Weber (TX), Mary Miller (IL), Barry Loudermilk (GA), Doug LaMalfa (CA), Chris Jacobs (NY), Dan Bishop (NC), Tim Burchett (TN), Ben Cline (VA), Matthew Rosendale, Sr. (MT), Victoria Spartz (IN), Diana Harshbarger (TN), Cliff Bentz (OR), Jack Bergman (MI), Debbie Lesko (AZ), Roger Williams (TX), Bob Gibbs (OH), Byron Donalds (FL), Lisa McClain (MI), Bill Posey (FL), Madison Cawthorn (NC), Greg Murphy (NC), Ralph Norman (SC), Chip Roy (TX), John Rose (TN), August Pfluger (TX), Doug Lamborn (CO), Beth Van Duyne (TX), Carlos Giménez (FL), and Russ Fulcher (ID).
