The White House has recently issued a public memo criticizing House Speaker Mike Johnson for his stance on the current negotiations regarding border security and additional funding. This move by the White House comes in response to Johnson’s criticism of President Joe Biden’s handling of the border crisis, suggesting that the crisis is a result of the Democratic administration’s policies and executive actions.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre pointed out that Speaker Johnson previously supported HR2, a border security bill, under the premise that presidents need new legal authorities to secure the border. This viewpoint was also shared by the Trump Administration, which Johnson endorsed as a congressman.
Jean-Pierre emphasized that if Speaker Johnson still believes in the urgency of addressing the border situation, he should grant the Biden administration the necessary authority and funding to secure the border.
In response, Johnson’s spokesman Raj Shah stated that Johnson has consistently believed that national security begins at the border. Shah reiterated Johnson’s call for the Senate and President to support the Secure the Border Act or similar legislation. Shah also criticized President Biden for not taking executive actions such as restoring the Remain in Mexico policy, ending catch and release, and reforming asylum and parole standards, which Johnson believes are essential for securing the border.
President Biden recently expressed his willingness to “shut down the border” if the Senate proposal becomes law. Johnson, however, countered Biden’s claim that new legislation is needed to close the southern border, asserting that the President already has the necessary legal authority to take action.
The White House memo also referenced Johnson’s previous statement that statutory reforms are essential for regaining control at the southern border. Additionally, the memo cited former President Trump’s call for Democrats to pass border and immigration reforms.
The ongoing negotiations between a bipartisan group of senators and the Biden administration aim to address the migrant crisis. House and Senate Republicans have emphasized that such reforms are crucial to their support for the Democrats’ request for $106 billion in supplemental funding, which includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and other issues.