Congress in Border Security Standoff: ‘Gun Control Easier to Deal With Than Immigration’

Kevin Hogan
By Kevin Hogan
January 5, 2024NTD Good Morning
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The standoff over border security and government funding continues to escalate. The discussion centers around the GOP’s insistence on border reforms akin to H.R.2, also known as the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which includes changes to asylum and parole—points deemed nonnegotiable by Democrats.

While the GOP lacks the Senate numbers for a direct push, their potential to block funding legislation in the House adds weight to the brewing conflict.

NTD spoke to Lawrence Wilson, national politics reporter at The Epoch Times, to find out more about the impasse.

He highlighted the Democrats’ unwavering stance on H.R.2 provisions, and emphasized the GOP’s focus on what they see as crucial reforms to curb illegal border activities. Despite some willingness among Republican congressmen to compromise on certain aspects, the contentious “Remain in Mexico” policy and asylum changes remain sticking points.

As the government funding deadline looms, the urgency of the situation appears to be pushing conservatives to take a stand. Mr. Wilson pointed to the escalating crisis at the border, with record-breaking illegal entries becoming a daily occurrence.

However, “one lawmaker told us that gun control was easier to deal with than the immigration issues,” he said.