Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) has introduced new legislation that would allow states like Texas and Arizona to obtain materials from the federal government —materials that taxpayers have already paid for —to construct a wall along the southern border.
“We are witnessing a crisis of historic proportions at our Southern border under the Biden administration. President Biden’s refusal to take action at the border has been a disaster, but his decision to cancel border barrier projects that were already underway is literally costing taxpayers billions,” Ernst said in a statement.
“Here’s a simple solution, Mr. President: let’s put these materials to use, let’s end the taxpayer-funded waste, let’s stop the unprecedented flow of illegal migrants, and let’s build it!” she added.
Ernst elaborated on her plan during a press conference on Tuesday.
“Taxpayers have already paid $350 million for the concrete, steel, and fencing that is now sitting idle. Why not let states who want to build the wall access these unused materials?” Ernst said to reporters.
“That’s right folks, taxpayers are being billed to protect piles of rusting materials,” she added.
Ernst has the support of fellow Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, who released a statement of support.
“President Biden has made a laundry list of irresponsible policy decisions that have led to complete chaos at our southern border, including his decision to halt construction of the border wall. This has not only cost taxpayers safety and security, but it’s also costing them nearly $3 million per day,” Grassley said.
“We are a welcoming nation, but a country without a border isn’t a country. Our bill will allow states to take an important step toward fixing this unprecedented border crisis by continuing construction of a border wall,” he added.
Texas did something similar earlier this year. From The Daily Wire…
In February, Texas obtained 1,700 panels originally designed for the Trump border wall to use in Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s effort to “secure the border.”
“After Biden halted construction of Trump’s border wall hundreds of unused wall panels were left at construction sites,” Abbott tweeted.
“Texas has obtained 1,700 of those unused panels to help build the wall,” he added. “They had been declared surplus–now they secure the border.”
After Biden halted construction of Trump’s border wall hundreds of unused wall panels were left at construction sites.
Texas has obtained 1,700 of those unused panels to help build the wall.
They had been declared surplus–now they secure the border.https://t.co/qWkexB3pP4
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 16, 2022
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