Thank you, Chairman Joyce.

And thank you, Mr. Secretary, for appearing before us today. 

Since you last testified before this committee, the situation at the border has not improved. 

And having lived in Texas, I've been there many, many times. 

Last year, a record 2.7 million migrants attempted to cross the border illegally. 

This year, the trend is even worse. 

We have already had more than 1 million migrant encounters. 

In May, Title 42 will be lifted. Title 42 was the authority that allowed migrants to be sent back home during the public health emergency. Its reversal will lead to another surge in migrants.

The cartels and traffickers are operating without fear. 

Deadly drugs are affecting all our communities, not just those in the southwest.

You’ve said that we have operational control of the border. 

If this is control, I'd hate to see the alternative. 

The administration must reverse course, or the situation will continue to get worse. 

We need common-sense solutions that deter illegal immigration.

Your message must be clear: 

The border is not open, and if you try to cross illegally, you will be quickly sent home. 

Your actions must also be clear:

Border Patrol professionals should not be allowed to enforce the law, rather than focus on releasing migrants who may never be seen again.

And, Mr. Secretary, this administration must acknowledge what we all know is true: WALLS WORK.

Yet, this administrtion has refused to spend the money coongress has provided. 

To close, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the men and women of the department for their dedication to protecting our country.

I will do everything in my power to ensure each of them has the resources needed to carry out their important mission. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.

Original source can be found here.