House of Representatives Dysfunction Threatens to Worsen Southern Border Crisis

The crisis at the U.S. southern border could become even more dire if dysfunction within the House of Representatives hinders the government from reaching a deal to prevent a federal shutdown, according to Democratic Senator Mark Kelly.

Appearing on CBS’s 'Face the Nation,' Kelly blamed House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for failing to unite conservative Republican hardliners behind a spending plan to keep the government funded.

Kelly expressed concern over the implications of a shutdown, especially for border states like Arizona that have been grappling with an immigration crisis for generations.

He emphasized that a government shutdown would result in Border Patrol agents not receiving their salaries, which would only exacerbate the current situation.

Furthermore, the potential impact of a shutdown extends beyond the border crisis, with debates regarding funding for the war in Ukraine adding to the complexity.

Kelly underscored the importance of continuing to support Ukraine, stating that halting aid would be detrimental and allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to claim victory.

He warned of potential conflict with Russia if the United States fails to provide the necessary support to Ukraine.

President Biden has requested an additional $24 billion from Congress to fund the Ukrainian effort, with previous documents revealing that over $100 billion has already been spent on the war.

Kelly stressed the global implications of the dysfunction within the House, stating that Chinese President Xi Jinping is closely watching the outcome.

The article concludes by highlighting the significance of this moment and the potential consequences of failure, urging readers to stay informed with the latest updates and exclusive interviews from the 2024 campaign trail.