Billy Long: We can't let Obama turn a blind eye on our broken borders

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

The United States is a nation built on respect for the rule of law. Having borders wherein the rule of law can exist is the foundation to the nation’s sovereignty. Unfortunately, under the Obama administration, our borders have experienced a breakdown as more people cross with less border enforcement, undermining law, sovereignty and security.

We can no longer allow the administration to turn a blind eye toward our nation’s broken border. I am cosponsoring the Secure Our Borders First Act of 2015 (H.R. 399), which aims to fix the problem. The bill would force the Department of Homeland Security to achieve operational control of the southern border in two years in high crossings areas and full control in five years. The legislation would require constructing additional fencing along sections of the southern border, provide Border Patrol access to federal lands, fund the National Guard on the border, and more to better secure our nation’s border.

Securing our border is step one to solving the nation’s illegal immigration crisis. We must take control of the situation and enforce immigration laws already on the books, which has not been the case with the Obama administration. The Secure Our Borders First Act will hold the administration accountable to carry out its constitutional obligation to execute the rule of law.

Many in Missouri’s Seventh District have reached out to me, saying it is past time to lock down the border and asking when we are going to take steps to meet the need. With this bill, the answer is now. It would move us toward accomplishing the task and strengthening our nation’s security and rule of law. I am a strong supporter of the Secure Our Borders First Actand will work to see this bill become law.