In a surprising move, 14 Democratic representatives broke ranks with their party to vote in favor of a Republican-led amendment addressing border security concerns. Among them is Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX), a former Tennessee Titans linebacker and Obama administration official, currently challenging Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) in the 2024 election. Other Democrats, such as Reps. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), Angie Craig (D-MN), and Henry Cuellar (D-TX), also joined the bipartisan vote.
Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), one of the Democrats who voted for the amendment, emphasized the importance of securing borders and enforcing immigration laws. Golden stated that illegal immigration poses threats to national security and undermines American jobs. He urged Congress and the Biden administration to collaborate on legislation addressing border issues, emphasizing the need for an orderly and predictable immigration process.
The vote occurred amid ongoing impeachment hearings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and discussions between congressional leaders and President Biden on national security funding for U.S. allies and border security. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) pointedly held President Biden responsible for the border crisis, stating that the administration’s policies created the situation and called for transformative policy changes to secure the border.
This bipartisan move underscores the growing acknowledgment, even among some Democrats, that addressing border security issues is crucial. The call for collaboration and policy changes reflects the broader concerns within Congress about the current state of immigration and border control.
