Hartzler: We must not squander rare opportunity to increase border security

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

The end of the partial government shutdown has resulted in our federal employees getting paid and federal agency operations returning to normal, at least for the time being.

Serious negotiations are now underway with a special Conference Committee of House and Senate members to see if there can be an agreement to address the issues on our southern border before February 15. 

Democrat leaders in the both the House and Senate refused to discuss solutions during the lapse of funding, but vowed to discuss border security once the government opened again. It is now time for them to stick to their promise. We must not squander this rare moment to not only secure the border, but to address comprehensive immigration reform to fix our broken system. 

Too many people wait in line for years for the opportunity to come to America while others ignore our laws and come here illegally. We need to help the hardworking individuals who follow our laws to access the American Dream while also ensuring the border is secured from illegal drugs and human trafficking. 

I am in the midst of working with my colleagues on the Conference Committee to discuss how to move negotiations forward, and I will continue to do everything I can to address this important issue.