This week at our state capitol we had the honor of hosting the Israeli consul general, reaffirming our state’s steadfast support for the nation of Israel. My personal admiration for this nation is such that on three separate occasions I have journeyed to Israel, the sacred grounds where the events of the Bible occurred.
The high-level visit was a moment of diplomacy and solidarity, highlighting the strong bond between our state and our ally in the Middle East. However, amidst this diplomatic exchange, we also experienced a regrettable incident. As our honored guest addressed the chamber, a group of Palestinians disrupted the proceedings with shouts of obscenities and unruly behavior. This behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of respect and civility that we hold dear.
It is troubling to witness such actions, especially when they come from individuals who harbor animosity toward our nation. Allowing those who enter our country illegally to disrupt the workings of our government undermines the very fabric of our democracy. We must uphold the principle of free speech, but not at the expense of order and decorum.
Now the U.S. Senate is trying to pass this terrible immigration bill. As your representative, I staunchly oppose this misguided piece of legislation for a multitude of reasons.
First and foremost, the bill fails to address the fundamental issue of securing our borders. Instead of implementing effective measures to stem the flow of illegal immigration, it expands work authorizations for illegal aliens and perpetuates the flawed “catch and release” policy. This is a grave dereliction of duty that puts our national security at risk.
Furthermore, the bill grants excessive discretionary authority to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who has demonstrated a willingness to circumvent the law in pursuit of his own agenda. This cannot be tolerated, as it undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in our government.
Moreover, the bill allocates taxpayer funds to provide amenities for illegal immigrants, such as housing them in hotels through the FEMA Shelter and Services Program. This is an affront to hardworking taxpayers who expect their government to prioritize their needs above those who have broken the law.
In contrast, the Secure the Border Act (H.R. 2), passed by the House nine months ago, offers a comprehensive solution to the border crisis. It contains the necessary provisions to effectively address illegal immigration and restore order to our border regions. The Senate must prioritize this bill and take decisive action to protect America’s sovereignty.
In conclusion, I am heartened to hear that the Senate immigration bill will face strong opposition in the House. I urge the Senate to reject this flawed legislation and instead focus on solutions that uphold our values and secure our borders.
Thank you for your continued support and trust. Together, we will ensure a brighter future for our state and our nation.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes Butler County.