South Lake Today

Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, along with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and their Republican colleagues, have expressed concerns about the recent lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) against Governor Greg Abbott and the State of Texas. The lawsuit revolves around the border security measures implemented by the Abbott Administration.

In their letter to the U.S. Department of the Army and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Republican lawmakers raise questions about the DOJ's motives and highlight the impact of the Biden Administration's immigration policies on border security. They argue that the DOJ is using the navigational objectives of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (RHA) as an excuse to undermine Texas' efforts to secure the southern border.

One of the key concerns expressed by the lawmakers is the Biden Administration's failure to address the border crisis, which has led to a staggering number of encounters with illegal immigrants. They state, "The Biden Administration’s refusal to secure our Southern border has led to over 2.2 million encounters as of August 2023, following nearly 2.4 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, a staggering number."

The lawmakers also highlight Governor Abbott's proactive steps to protect the state's border with Mexico, including the installation of a chain of marine buoys in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, Texas. These buoys are designed to deter illegal crossings while remaining as humane as possible. The lawmakers emphasize the importance of allowing states to implement stronger border security policies, especially when the federal government fails to address the issue effectively.

The members of Congress express concern that the DOJ is weaponizing Section 10 of the RHA in their lawsuit and involving the United States Army Corps of Engineers in a political fight. Section 10 of the RHA focuses on navigation for interstate commerce and should not be used to prevent a state from executing robust border security policies. The lawmakers argue that the Biden Administration should not distract from its failure to secure the southern border by leveraging the navigation regulatory process.

To gain further insight into the decision to file legal action against Texas and the regulatory review of Section 10 of the RHA, the Republican lawmakers are requesting information from the Army and the Corps. They seek copies of all documents, communications, and correspondence related to the lawsuit.

In conclusion, Congressman Daniel Webster and his Republican colleagues are raising concerns about the DOJ's lawsuit against Governor Greg Abbott and the State of Texas. They argue that the Biden Administration's failure to address the border crisis should not impede states from implementing effective border security measures.

To learn more, click on this link: https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7EF12468-5320-4ED5-BC84-7DD0C209CD82