The situation at the southern border continues to draw attention of state and federal lawmakers.
At the state level, the House easily passed House Resolution 6035, designed to “affirm state sovereignty, support Texas in its efforts to combat illegal immigration and encourage Governor Laura Kelly to offer the services of the Kansas National Guard” to Texas. 13th District Representative Duane Droge of Eureka and 76th District Representative Eric Smith of Burlington voted for the resolution, while 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia voted against it.
As part of an escalating conflict between that state and the federal government on migrant crossings, Texas state officials blocked US Border Patrol agents from entering and patrolling Shelby Park, a crossing hotspot, last month. Governor Greg Abbott says the state’s recent installation of over 100 miles of razor wire has helped to lower illegal crossings. He and other Republican governors also accuse President Joe Biden of fostering illegal entry.
At the federal level, Republican Senator Roger Marshall has demanded a resolution declaring a border invasion. The says the situation now warrants that designation — and a resolution giving state governments like Texas more powers to defend themselves.
Immigration nationally has been in sharp focus this week. A nearly $120 billion immigration and foreign aid bill was announced this past weekend after four months of negotiations. Despite the support of the Border Patrol, US Chamber of Commerce and others, Republicans — including those who worked on the package — have withdrawn their tentative support.
