Contribution article
ARIZONA — Congressman Juan Ciscomani, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and three other Congressmen (Rep. Lori Chavez Delemar, Jenn Quigans, and Derrick Van Oden) are urging border residents and locals Hear first-hand from officials about the impact of border instability on Arizona communities.
“President Biden has completely ignored this crisis and it is communities like ours that are paying the price,” Ciscomani said. “The sheer volume of deadly drugs like fentanyl crossing our borders is alarming. As a father of six, it keeps you up at night. President Biden takes immediate action.” We need to — we cannot allow this crisis to continue.”
McCarthy echoed these comments.
“Today, over 300 Americans will be poisoned with fentanyl and die,” McCarthy said at a post-tour press conference. 300 more tomorrow. That’s the equivalent of an airline crash. You’ll wake up and say, “I need to fix the problem.” Well, I promise you, the new majority in Congress — we will fight to solve this problem. ”
Congressional delegations, including lawmakers from Oregon, Wisconsin and Virginia, saw firsthand the crisis the Biden administration failed to address.
The visit began with a briefing at the US Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector headquarters. Members heard first-hand from Border Patrol leaders about the situation at the border, the critical work they do to protect the nation, and what they need to do to continue advancing their public safety mission.
From there, members of Congress embarked on an aerial tour of Arizona’s southern border, outlining the border region of southeastern Arizona.
The delegation then participated in a regional roundtable discussion with local law enforcement, local elected officials and county residents to hear about the local impact of the crisis on the county. Community members described how the region’s resources were being squeezed by the massive influx of migrants and drug trafficking. Fentanyl was highlighted as the greatest concern, especially for young people.
As of last spring, fentanyl was Leading cause of death in teenagers It is located in Pima County, the largest of Arizona’s four border counties.
The last stop was the border. Members of the delegation saw portions of the border wall and heard from Border Patrol agents, local law enforcement, and members of the community about the challenges presented at the border.
“I am grateful to Chairman McCarthy and my colleagues for inviting them here to see the realities that the people of Arizona have faced over the years,” Ciscomani said. , has given us valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities that being a border region presents, and I look forward to bringing these lessons back to Washington and working with my colleagues to deliver results for voters.”
