Biden admin’s taxpayer-backed contracts to help illegal immigrants avoid deportation come under a microscope

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Latest Political News on Fox News

Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley is probing hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer-backed Biden administration contracts with a left-wing nonprofit to help illegal immigrants avoid deportation.

Fox News Digital previously reported that the Vera Institute of Justice, a New York-based nonprofit that views immigration enforcement agencies as a "threat" to civil liberties, received hefty Health and Human Services (HHS)-backed contracts as part of efforts to keep illegal immigrants in the United States.

Now, Grassley is seeking answers on the federal contracts with Vera, who he says has a history of not fully complying with legal and regulatory requirements regarding the expenditure of government funds. In a Feb. 16 letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, Grassley raised concerns about the Vera contracts, particularly regarding oversight structures to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

"My concerns with respect to HHS' oversight of its contracts with third parties stems, in part, from HHS' FY 2022 Agency Financial Report," Grassley wrote. "In that report, the HHS Inspector General identified a range of problems with HHS oversight of contracts, including contracts for services with respect to unaccompanied alien children."

BIDEN ADMIN GIVES LEFT-WING GROUPS HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS TO HELP ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FIGHT DEPORTATION

"The report included a finding that the ORR 'did not award or sufficiently manage a sole source contract in accordance with Federal requirements,'" Grassley wrote. "Given that Vera could receive almost a billion dollars of taxpayer funds under one contract alone, even a fraction of improper conduct can add up to large sums of money. A robust oversight structure needs to be in place to protect taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud and abuse."

Grassley elaborated on his concerns by referencing a Department of Justice inspector general report that found Vera did not comply with previous "essential award conditions."

"Vera did not comply with essential award conditions related to award expenditures including: personnel and fringe benefits, travel, supplies and other costs, consultants and contracts, and subawards," Grassley wrote. "Additionally, OIG found issues related to Vera's compliance with award special conditions, procurement practices, subrecipient monitoring, and financial reporting."

"The audit also found that Vera had $325,907 in expenditures 'that do not comply with legal, regulatory, or contractual requirements; are not supported by adequate documentation at the time of the audit; or are unnecessary or unreasonable,'" Grassley continued. "This example further demonstrates the need for transparency in how Vera and its subcontractors are using taxpayer funds and what HHS has done to employ robust oversight procedures and policies to ensure Vera is in full compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements."

Grassley posed a series of questions to Becerra, including on HHS oversight procedures, policies, and guidelines that are in place to ensure Vera is in full compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements.

HHS did not respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment by press time.

OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE PROBES 'NO-BID' DHS CONTRACT TO LAW FIRM TO HANDLE MAYORKAS IMPEACHMENT EFFORTS

The Vera Institute of Justice and the Acacia Center for Justice, a nonprofit linked to Vera and another left-wing immigration group, have combined to rake in hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer-backed government contracts since President Biden took office.

According to records previously reviewed by Fox News Digital, a vast majority of the money is going towards efforts to keep illegal immigrants in the United States.

Vera has collected around $350 million from government contracts for immigration services in the past two years. The Acacia Center for Justice has also pocketed tens of millions of dollars in recent federal contracts. The progressive groups landed the contracts amid the escalating border crisis.

Vera received a $171 million HHS-funded contract last March to help unaccompanied minors avoid deportation, the records show. The contract has since paid out around $180 million with supplemental agreements as of December.

The arrangement lasts until March but can hit as high as $983 million if renewed until March 2027. If extended, it will be the most significant federal contract the group has received for immigration-related services.

Vera has also secured other large government contracts since early 2021, including a $168 million contract in March 2021 for the same purpose of helping unaccompanied minors avoid deportation. During this time, the group also obtained smaller contracts ranging from $4 million to $12 million from other federal departments.

ICE SPENT $17M OF NO-BID CONTRACT TO HOUSE MIGRANTS IN HOTELS THAT WENT LARGELY UNUSED: DHS WATCHDOG

Vera did not respond to a request for comment on Grassley's letter.

Meanwhile, the Acacia Center for Justice, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit started from a partnership between Vera and Capital Area Immigrants' Rights, has received several "legal services" contracts from the Department of Justice last September that netted the group around $41 million in payments, records show.

The Acacia Center appears to have launched to expand Vera's work with illegal immigrants detained at the border. However, unlike Vera's government contracts for unaccompanied minors, the Acacia Center's contracts do not specify an age group for the legal services.

Its partner organization, Capital Area Immigrants' Rights, also directs an adult defense program that provides information, support, and legal representation to illegal immigrants, according to its website. It also has a detained unaccompanied children's program that works with minors at the Office of Refugee Resettlement juvenile immigration detention centers in Maryland and Virginia.

The Acacia Center launched last year and received the contracts less than two months after getting a July 2022 determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service, which stated the group's effective date of tax exemption was Dec. 29, 2021, according to filings.

Impeaching Biden over border crisis is Republicans’ ‘only tool,’ Andrew McCarthy says

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Latest Political News on Fox News

National Review contributing editor Andrew McCarthy published an op-ed Saturday claiming "the only thing" that can establish comprehensive security at the southern border is a presidential impeachment.

McCarthy asserted that the legislature and courts are unable to address illegal immigration, necessitating Republicans to threaten removing President Biden from office.

Republicans moving to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas are aiming "too low," he wrote in the piece.

MCCARTHY RULES OUT AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AFTER BIDEN CALLS AT STATE OF THE UNION

"You probably don’t want to hear this again, but at this stage, the only thing that might — might — turn the tide and establish a semblance of security at the southern border would be for House Republicans to impeach President Biden for first causing the border crisis and then, over the course of the next two years, willfully exacerbating it, not out of incompetence but because it’s what his radical base demands," the National Review Institute senior fellow wrote.

McCarthy claimed that the Supreme Court is "powerless" to correct the massive influx of illegal migrants crossing the southern border, leaving the problem to be dealt with by individual states.

MCCARTHY, IN ARIZONA, SAYS ‘NO-ONE BELIEVES’ BIDEN ADMIN'S CLAIM BORDER IS SECURE

"For over a century, judicial rulings and congressional Democrats have nullified their powers to uphold the rule of law against trespassers," McCarthy continued. "If the Court won’t help them, the states must rely on Biden, and it is Biden who has quite intentionally left the border defenseless, knowing full well that the states would be besieged."

MIGRANT ENCOUNTERS HIT 156,274 IN JANUARY AS BIDEN ADMIN CLAIMS NEW BORDER MEASURES ‘ARE WORKING’

Acknowledging that the Democrat-controlled Senate would be unlikely to allow an actual impeachment, McCarthy made the case that impeachment articles could bring greater attention to the border issue.

"That is the last thing to which Biden and Democrats want attention called," he asserted. "Border security is an 80–20 issue, favoring not so much Republicans (who are far from uniformly solid on upholding immigration law) as individual candidates and officials who demonstrate seriousness about it, most of whom happen to be Republicans."

McCarthy concluded the article asserting that articles of impeachment were "the only available tool" for Republicans to push the issue to its breaking point.

"Joe Biden is not honoring his oath, and with Congress in a stalemate and state sovereignty nullified, only he can solve the border crisis he’s created. It’s that simple: Either Republicans use the only tool available to them to force Biden’s hand, or they are aiders and abettors," he wrote. "There is no middle ground."

Biden demands gun reforms while brushing bipartisan calls for border security, both sides claim ‘common sense’

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Latest Political News on Fox News

President Joe Biden has demanded Congress take action to enact "common sense" gun reforms after a shooting rampage in Mississippi Friday left six dead. The demand came as he is turning a "blind eye" to Republicans and others who are calling for "common sense" changes to secure the border, a Republican lawmaker claimed.

"We need—need—commonsense gun law reforms," Biden said in a statement on Friday, after suspected shooter Richard Crum, 52, is believed to have used a shotgun and two handguns to carry out a shooting rampage that spanned three different locations across Tate County, Mississippi.

The president added: "That includes requiring background checks on all gun sales, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, fully closing the boyfriend loophole to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, requiring safe storage of guns, and eliminating immunity for gun manufacturers who knowingly put weapons of war on our streets."

Biden’s words came as Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, has accused him of avoiding the southern border and failing to "acknowledge the catastrophe at the southern border and makes common sense reforms to stem the tide."

BIDEN RESPONDS AFTER SERIAL SHOOTING IN TATE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI LEAVES 6 DEAD; SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

"For two solid years, President Biden has avoided the southern border, turned a blind eye to agents overwhelmed by the influx in illegal crossings, and glossed over the devastating impacts on our nation," Cramer said in a statement published Feb. 10. "The administration must act to address the urgent humanitarian and crime crises it created. These bills acknowledge the catastrophe at the southern border and makes common sense reforms to stem the tide."

Senator Katie Britt, R-AL, similarly suggested Biden was failing to act to secure the border.

"There is an unprecedented humanitarian and national security crisis at our southern border," Britt said. "This is a direct, avoidable result of the Biden Administration’s dangerously weak policies. Hardworking parents across our nation want their children to grow up in safe, strong communities so that they can reach their full potential and live their American Dream. This legislation would help secure that dream for families in every corner of our country."

Britt is leading two pieces of legislation aimed at securing the border: the "Keep Our Communities Safe Act," which calls for the end of the Obama-Biden catch-and-release policy, and a resolution acknowledging the state of the southern border constitutes a crisis.

More recently, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., who was elected as a Democrat, has also introduced bipartisan legislation to secure the border.

MCCARTHY, IN ARIZONA, SAYS 'NO ONE BELIEVES' BIDEN ADMIN'S CLAIM BORDER IS SECURE, CARTELS ARE IN CONTROL

Her bill would eliminate federal restrictions and grant the Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the authority to conduct maintenance projects at ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border.

"Arizona’s ports are our first line of defense to stop dangerous drugs and individuals from entering the United States, and a key driver of our local economy. Our legislation builds on the historic investments strengthening America's port infrastructure in my bipartisan infrastructure law by cutting red tape and allowing local CBP leadership to make repair decisions that work for their officers, without waiting for Washington," Sinema said on Feb. 15.

The legislation was co-introduced with Sen. James Lankford R-Okla., who described it as a "straightforward solution."

"During my visits to the southern border, it is evident that CBP needs to repair ports between the US and Mexico. Bureaucratic red tape has blocked CBP from making those simple fixes to increase border security and better manage trade. This bill is a straightforward solution that will ensure our CBP officers have the resources they need to keep the country secure," Lankford said.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., on Thursday visited Cochise County, Ariz., with Reps. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., Jen Kiggans, R-Va., and Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis.

Cochise County is located in southeast Arizona, bordering New Mexico and Mexico.

The four Republicans are freshman members who flipped Democratic seats in the most recent midterm elections.

"The new majority in Congress, we’re gonna fight to fix this problem. No longer will the Democrats be able to ignore the issue and act like it’s not happening," McCarthy said Thursday. "We will have hearings on the border. It’s the responsibility of all members to attend. Those who come to testify will come from both sides of the aisle."

MIGRANT ENCOUNTERS HIT 156,274 IN JANUARY AS BIDEN ADMIN CLAIMS NEW BORDER MEASURES ‘ARE WORKING’

Mark Morgan, a former acting CBP commissioner in the Trump administration, told The Hill that addressing the crisis is "really common sense," according to FOX 4.

"It’s really common sense. It’s what leaders do. They go to the heart of the crisis, whether it’s a hurricane or tornado, a terrorist attack, it doesn’t matter," Morgan said.

He added: "When you physically see it up close and personal, it changes your understanding. It changes your perspective."

Biden's Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas claims the southern border is under "operational control." Republicans have called for his impeachment.

McCarthy said Republicans in the House will continue to push legislation aimed at securing the border.

"We’ve got a lot of ideas inside Congress. It’s different than the Congress before," McCarthy said Thursday, according to WDAF.

The shooting in Mississippi ended Friday afternoon when officials ultimately found Crum at his home and apprehended him. He was charged with one count of murder but is expected to face additional charges.

BIDEN ADMIN ANNOUNCES $231M FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION EFFORTS, INCLUDING RED FLAG LAWS

"Enough," Biden said after the incident. "We are 48 days into the year, and our nation has already suffered at least 73 mass shootings. Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough. Gun violence is an epidemic, and Congress must act now."

He continued, "Jill and I are mourning for the six killed in today’s violence in Tate County, Mississippi — as we have for far too many Americans. We grieve with their families and with Americans nationwide as gun violence claims yet more lives. We are also praying for the recovery of those injured in this horrendous attack and for survivors who will carry both grief and trauma with them for the rest of their lives."

The suspect’s motives are not known at this time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

DHS tapped left-leaning firm for potential Mayorkas impeachment efforts over southern border crisis

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Latest Political News on Fox News

The private law firm retained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for potential impeachment proceedings against secretary Alejandro Mayorkas employs individuals that heavily favor Democrats through political contributions, has aided the Democratic Party in their impeachment trial against President Trump, and has worked on several issues alongside left-wing groups, including immigration matters.

DHS tapped the New York-based Debevoise & Plimpton law firm to "help ensure the department's vital mission is not interrupted by the unprecedented, unjustified and partisan impeachment efforts by some members of Congress, who have already taken steps to initiate proceedings," a DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

"DHS will continue prioritizing its work to protect our country from terrorism, respond to natural disasters, and secure our borders while responding appropriately to the over 90 Congressional committees and subcommittees that have oversight of DHS," the spokesperson continued.

According to government records, DHS entered into a potential $1.5 million contract with Debevoise & Plimpton on Jan. 26 that will disburse cash based on their work. The records show that the award runs until early January 2025 and could reach up to $3 million.

DHS BRINGING ON PRIVATE LAW FIRM TO HELP WITH POTENTIAL MAYORKAS IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS

The Biden administration contract will potentially push cash to a firm whose employees give overwhelmingly to Democratic causes, including Biden's past candidacy. During the 2022 election cycle, individuals at the firm donated $289,000 of their nearly $310,000 in political contributions - or 95 percent - to liberal campaigns and committees, according to data compiled by OpenSecrets.

These figures followed even higher 2020 figures where Debevoise & Plimpton employees showered liberal committees with 97 percent of their contributions. During that cycle, the firm's individuals combined to provide Democratic committees with slightly more than $1 million in donations. The largest recipient that cycle was Biden, who received nearly $245,000 from the firm's employees.

David O'Neil, a Debevoise & Plimpton partner, will lead Secretary Mayorkas' defense team if needed, Law.com reported. O'Neil is no stranger to impeachment efforts, as he aided House Democrats in their impeachment efforts against former President Trump.

Attorneys Anna Moody and Carter Burwell, former counsel to Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn, will join O'Neil if impeachment efforts progress.

HOUSE REPUBLICAN FILES ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT AGAINST DHS SEC. MAYORKAS

Debevoise & Plimpton has joined several left-wing groups on past matters, including working on asylum issues with Democracy Forward, which counts Democratic mega-lawyer Marc Elias as its board chair. The firm also touts its pro bono work with LGBTQ+ immigrants.

A DHS official told Fox News Digital that outside counsel is needed because the department's in-house lawyers don't have impeachment expertise. The official also pinned the blame on any potential outside counsel spending on what they described as reckless actions of some House Members.

Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., is introducing a new impeachment article against Mayorkas, accusing him of violating his oath of office and failing to enforce U.S. immigration law.

MAYORKAS SAYS HE WILL NOT RESIGN OVER BORDER CRISIS, INSISTS HE IS PREPARED FOR GOP INVESTIGATIONS

Biggs, who repeatedly has called for Mayorkas' removal, first introduced the articles in 2021 and accused him of having" engaged in a pattern of conduct incompatible with his duties as an Officer of the United States."

Mayorkas, a Cuba native who grew up in Beverly Hills, California, after his family fled the Castros, has been under fire for his handling of the southern border crisis. Republicans claim he has failed to adjudicate standing federal immigration laws and instead has overseen a deluge of illegal immigrants.

Mayorkas has said he will not resign over his handling of the border crisis and insisted he will be ready for future investigations by House Republicans while continuing to fulfill his daily responsibilities.

Debevoise & Plimpton did not respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment.

Jean-Pierre v Sanders: Current, former WH press secretaries battle over Biden’s SOTU

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Latest Political News on Fox News

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday dismissed Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' response to President Joe Biden's State of the Union as an attempt to stir up "fake conspiracies."

Sanders' rebuttal speech emphasized the GOP effort to restrict abortion and ban the presence of gender ideology and critical race theory in schools. Sanders, who served as former President Donald Trump's press secretary until 2019, said Democrats' priorities show that the choice between Republicans and Democrats is a choice between "normal or crazy."

Jean-Pierre rejected Sanders' comments and accused Republicans of whipping up "fake" issues.

"The way we see it is the choice is between political fighting over fake conspiracies and delivering for the American people," Jean-Pierre said Wednesday when asked about Sanders' speech. "The president is focused on the latter."

SARAH SANDERS DELIVERS GOP REBUTTAL TO BIDEN SOTU, SAYS AMERICANS HAVE A CHOICE 'BETWEEN NORMAL OR CRAZY'

In a briefing with reporters as Biden traveled to Wisconsin to deliver a speech on his economic agenda, Jean-Pierre said it's the Republicans who are pursuing a crazy agenda.

"But what is not normal is some politicians’ obsession over some of our most vulnerable kids or taking away women’s rights to make their own health care decisions or even teaching America’s history," she said.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS CALL FOR IMPEACHMENT OF HOMELAND SECRETARY MAYORKAS AHEAD OF STATE OF THE UNION

Sanders used her remarks to promise that Republicans will lead with courage on issues that regular American voters care about.

"At 40, I’m the youngest governor in the country. At 80, he’s the oldest president in American history. I’m the first woman to lead my state. He’s the first man to surrender his presidency to a woke mob that can’t even tell you what a woman is," Sanders said.

BIDEN PLAGUED BY NEGATIVE APPROVAL RATINGS AHEAD OF SECOND STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH

"Make no mistake: Republicans will not surrender this fight," Sanders said. "We will lead with courage and do what’s right, not what’s politically correct or convenient."

Sarah Sanders delivers GOP rebuttal to Biden SOTU, says Americans have a choice ‘between normal or crazy’

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Latest Political News on Fox News

Newly-elected Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders delivered the GOP rebuttal to President Biden's second State of the Union address Tuesday, calling for a "new generation of Republican leadership" and describing the choice between Democrats and Republicans as a choice "between normal or crazy."

"Being a mom to three young children taught me not to believe every story I hear. So forgive me for not believing much of anything I heard tonight from President Biden. From out-of-control inflation and violent crime to the dangerous border crisis and threat from China, Biden and the Democrats have failed you," Sanders said.

"It’s time for a change. Tonight, let us reaffirm our commitment to a timeless American idea: that government exists not to rule the people, but to serve the people. Democrats want to rule us with more government control, but that is not who we are," she added.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE SPEECH

Sanders noted that she and Biden didn't have a lot in common because she is "for freedom" and he's "for government control," and went on to note the four decades difference in their ages.

"In the radical left’s America, Washington taxes you and lights your hard-earned money on fire, but you get crushed with high gas prices, empty grocery shelves, and our children are taught to hate one another on account of their race, but not to love one another or our great country," she added.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS CALL FOR IMPEACHMENT OF HOMELAND SECRETARY MAYORKAS AHEAD OF STATE OF THE UNION

She described the Biden administration as "completely hijacked by the radical left," and said that America's "dividing line" was no longer a separation between right and left.

"The choice is between normal or crazy," she said. "It is time for a new generation of Republican leadership."

She went on to tout her efforts in Arkansas to combat indoctrination and other Democratic policies like critical race theory and shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that Americans wanted common sense from their leaders, but that Biden was busy "doubling down on crazy."

"President Biden inherited the fastest economic recovery on record. The most secure border in history. Cheap abundant, home-grown energy. Fast-rising wages. A rebuilt military. And a world that was stable and at peace. But over the last two years, Democrats destroyed it all," Sanders said.

"Despite Democrats’ trillions in reckless spending and mountains of debt, we now have the worst border crisis in American history," she added.

BIDEN PLAGUED BY NEGATIVE APPROVAL RATINGS AHEAD OF SECOND STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH

Sanders expressed the need to secure the border and stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States, a drug responsible thousands of deaths every month, railed against Democratic calls to defend the police, and blasted Biden's "weakness" on foreign policy, especially China.

"Make no mistake: Republicans will not surrender this fight. We will lead with courage and do what’s right, not what’s politically correct or convenient," she said.

"Republicans believe in an America where strong families thrive in safe communities. Where jobs are abundant, and paychecks are rising. Where the freedom our veterans shed their blood to defend is the birthright of every man, woman, and child," she said.

Sanders vowed that under the leadership of Senate Republicans and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Republicans would hold the Biden administration accountable.

"America is great because we are free. But today, our freedom is under attack, and the America we love is in danger. President Biden and the Democrats have failed you. It’s time for a change. A New Generation of Republican leaders is stepping up… not to be caretakers of the status quo, but to be change makers for the American people," she said.

"We know not what the future holds, but we know who holds the future in His hands. And with God as our witness, we will show the world that America is still the place where freedom reins and liberty will never die," she added.

Sanders, who served as White House press secretary under former President Donald Trump, never held elected office prior to being elected as Arkansas' governor. She is also the daughter of the state's former Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Sarah Sanders delivers GOP rebuttal to Biden SOTU, says Americans have a choice ‘between normal or crazy’

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Latest Political News on Fox News

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE SPEECH

Sanders noted that she and Biden didn't have a lot in common because she is "for freedom" and he's "for government control," and went on to note the four decades difference in their ages.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS CALL FOR IMPEACHMENT OF HOMELAND SECRETARY MAYORKAS AHEAD OF STATE OF THE UNION

She described the Biden administration as "completely hijacked by the radical left," and said that America's "dividing line" was no longer a separation between right and left.

"The choice is between normal or crazy," she said. "It is time for a new generation of Republican leadership."

"Despite Democrats’ trillions in reckless spending and mountains of debt, we now have the worst border crisis in American history," she added.

BIDEN PLAGUED BY NEGATIVE APPROVAL RATINGS AHEAD OF SECOND STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH

"Make no mistake: Republicans will not surrender this fight. We will lead with courage and do what’s right, not what’s politically correct or convenient," she said.

Sanders vowed that under the leadership of Senate Republicans and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Republicans would hold the Biden administration accountable.

Majority Whip Emmer blasts Biden’s response to the Chinese spy flight as ‘ludicrous’ ahead of State of Union

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Latest Political News on Fox News

FIRST ON FOX: House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., blasted President Biden’s response to the Chinese spy flight, saying he doesn’t believe the president’s response was swift enough.

Emmer spoke with Fox News Digital on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the president’s State of the Union address, where he laughed out loud at the question regarding Biden’s speed of response to the spy balloon that traveled over the continental U.S.

"Ha!" Emmer said in response to a question on whether Biden's response was quick enough to satisfy Congress. "Absolutely not."

STATE OF THE UNION 2023: SCHUMER RIPS GOP AGENDA AHEAD OF BIDEN ADDRESS

"And now, to the president’s defense, apparently the defense industry that is part of our government, the people that are charged with the responsibility for protecting the homeland and Americans’ safety, they didn’t bother to tell anybody about it," Emmer said.

"It was somebody in Montana that saw it and brought it to light," the House majority whip continued. "Otherwise, you and I, the president may never have known that this thing existed."

Emmer said Biden "should’ve taken action immediately" after learning about the balloon last Wednesday and that "this argument that they didn’t know what to do, or that he gave authority to somebody, and they waited until it completed its mission across the United States, is ludicrous."

"It’s inexcusable, and actually the American people should hold them accountable for that," Emmer said.

"This should never be allowed to happen again. There should immediately be an investigation as to why the leaders of our military did not immediately advise the commander-in-chief when that spy balloon was over the Pacific. Why didn’t they advise him so that they could’ve taken action there? Better yet, if they weren’t going to tell the president, why didn’t they take action while it was over the Pacific?"

"The fact that it took them several days afterward, and literally allowed the Chinese to complete their mission, is pathetic, inexcusable, and it should’ve been dealt with immediately," Emmer said.

Emmer also said, while he wouldn’t "speculate" as to whether first son Hunter Biden’s business dealings with China influenced the administration’s decision to take down the balloon, he has "confidence" in Republican committee leaders "to do their job" and "make sure we get to the bottom of this."

Emmer also said that he’d love to hear Biden "address energy independence," the "open" southern border crisis, and addressing crime in major cities in his Tuesday night speech.

"I’d love to hear him address the southern border and how we’re going to make sure that this, literally, the open border that his administration has created over the last two years, how they’re going to reverse course and solidify the southern border and protect Americans across the country from the fentanyl crisis that we’re dealing with," Emmer said.

US INTEL ASSESSES CHINESE SPY BALLOONS TRANSITED US SEVERAL TIMES, WENT 'UNDETECTED': SENIOR ADMIN OFFICIAL

"I think those would be just three quick ones that he could reach across the aisle and say, ‘I’m ready to get to work with the new Republican majority to help Americans in their daily lives," he continued.

Emmer said that GOP Reps. Pat Fallon of Texas and Andy Biggs of Arizona were in their rights as lawmakers to introduce the two impeachment resolutions against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

"But I think the committees now are going to do their work. It’s about raising this issue for the American people," Emmer said. "Because, quite frankly, the left-wing media hasn’t seen fit to report it."

Emmer torched Biden for his "choreographed" border trip to El Paso, Texas, and said that he believes "the more this issue is brought to light for the American people to see and understand that this is a crisis on our southern border, it is a crisis created by this administration, and it’s one that can quickly be remedied by this administration by returning to enforce the laws that were in place and were being enforced before they took office."

"Whether or not that creates grounds for the articles that have been filed, we’ll have to see, but I think it’s really important this case get tried in the court of public opinion," Emmer said.

"I think Americans that are directly impacted by the open southern border, with up to 300 Americans dying of fentanyl overdoses every day, I think that’s really where that trial is going to take place," he added.

Comer takes aim at Biden ‘propaganda’ on border crisis; WH tells GOP to ‘look in the mirror’

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Latest Political News on Fox News

Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer took aim Tuesday at what he said was "propaganda" from the Biden administration over its claim that it is working to secure the border, while the White House shot back on who is to blame for the crisis -- telling Republicans to "look in the mirror."

"Administration officials continue to say they are creating a ‘safe and orderly, humane’ immigration system. But reality contradicts this propaganda," Comer said.

Comer made his remarks at a committee hearing on the crisis at the southern border, which has seen record numbers of migrant encounters since Biden took office -- with more than 2.3 million encounters in FY 22 alone, and more than 251,000 encounters in December.

Republicans have sought to blame the Biden administration’s quick reversal of Trump-era policies for the crisis. The administration, meanwhile, has said it is working to open up asylum avenues that were shut during the Trump administration -- and has been ramping up calls for Republicans to back an immigration reform bill introduced on Day One, and also to accede to border funding requests. Republicans have rejected that bill in part due to its inclusion of a pathway to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants already in the U.S.

GOP REPS SPAR WITH OVERSIGHT DEMS AT BORDER HEARING OVER ‘WHITE NATIONALIST' CLAIM

On Tuesday, the White House attempted to increase that pressure on Republicans, and pointed to initial signs that border measures introduced in January had been followed by a decrease in encounters at the border.

"It is clear that House Republicans are more interested in staging political stunts than on rolling up their sleeves to work with President Biden and Democrats in Congress on legislation to strengthen border security and fix our immigration system that has needed repair for decades," White House Oversight Spokesperson Ian Sams said in a memo.

Sams said Republicans "need to look in the mirror" and accused Republicans of blocking border security funding and failing to oppose a lawsuit by 20 Republican states targeting the new border measures introduced in January.

BIDEN ADMIN KEEPS PUSHING SWEEPING IMMIGRATION BILL, INCLUDING AMNESTY, TWO YEARS INTO MIGRANT CRISIS

"President Biden continues to focus on addressing the issues that impact Americans’ lives, including strengthening border security, enacting a safer and more orderly migration system, and pushing to pass comprehensive immigration reform that finally, after decades, repairs our immigration system," he said. "House Republicans should join the President in pursuing real solutions, not political stunts – and they should answer for their opposition to funding for border security and their refusal to stand up to Republican officials trying to create more unlawful border crossings."

But in the hearing, Comer pushed back, putting the blame squarely on the administration. He pointed to the more than 300,000 "gotaways" believed to have escaped Border Patrol agents so far this fiscal year and the thousands encountered by agents every day.

DHS SECRETARY MAYORKAS HIT WITH NEW IMPEACHMENT PUSH OVER ‘RECKLESS ABANDONMENT’ OF BORDER SECURITY

"President Biden and his administration have created the worst border crisis in American history," he said, before later adding: "Starting on his first day in office, President Biden signal to the world our borders were open, opened to criminals, human traffickers and drug traffickers."

After pointing to the rollback of Trump-era interior immigration enforcement and the end to policies such as border wall construction and the Migrant Protection Protocols, Comer rejected the idea that the Biden administration’s plans were working.

"Conditions at the border are dangerous, chaotic and inhumane. Fiscal year 2022 set records for the number of arrests of illegal border crossers, the number of migrants who died making the journey, the number of dangerous narcotics seized, and even the number of suspected terrorists arrested trying to illegally cross the southern border," he said.

"And given over half a million people have evaded apprehension entirely, the national security risks are extremely high. This administration must do more to protect our southern border. They must do more to protect the American people."

DHS Secretary Mayorkas hit with new impeachment article over ‘reckless abandonment’ of border security

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Adam Shaw

Rep. Andy Biggs on Wednesday introduced articles of impeachment against embattled DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, amid a continued crisis at the southern border.