Springfield Standard

WASHINGTON – On May 23, 2024, Senator Eric Schmitt addressed the Senate floor, criticizing Democrats' approach to the border crisis and their recent legislative proposal. In his speech, he characterized the bill as a regressive measure that would exacerbate illegal immigration issues.

"This bill doesn’t move us forward; it moves us backwards. It would create an express lane for illegal immigration, weaken existing law, and make America less safe. This is the Democrats’ last-ditch effort at an election year political stunt because their polling is plummeting," said Senator Eric Schmitt.

According to data cited in Schmitt's speech, more than 9.6 million illegal immigrants have crossed the border under President Biden's administration, including 1.8 million "gotaways" who evaded Border Patrol. Additionally, fentanyl-related fatalities have increased by 94 percent since 2019.

In fiscal year 2024 alone, at least 80 terror suspects were apprehended while attempting to cross the border. The FBI has warned that the current state of border security poses a significant terrorist threat.

Senate Democrats have previously voted against measures such as the Laken Riley Act and HR.2, which include provisions for deporting illegal migrants who assault police officers and enabling local law enforcement to detain illegal migrants committing crimes.