Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced a bill aiming to shift responsibility for border security further toward the homeland security secretary.
The Border Safety and Security Act would put increased responsibility on the homeland security secretary, currently Alejandro Mayorkas. It would also increase oversight.
The bill would give "increased authority to state attorneys general in holding [the Department of Homeland Security] accountable if the department fails in its duty to restrict entry and detain illegal immigrants," according to a press release from Tuberville's office.
TUBERVILLE BILL WOULD DEFUND WOMEN'S SPORTS PROGRAMS THAT ALLOW BIOLOGICAL MEN
The secretary would be given the authority to suspend the entry of all illegal immigrants at the border if deemed necessary.
“Since President Biden took office, 4.8 million illegal immigrants — nearly equal to Alabama’s entire population — have entered our country,” Tuberville said.
He continued, “The Biden administration refuses to secure our southern border, despite record numbers of deadly drugs, terrorist watch-listers, and other bad actors pouring into the U.S. unobstructed. Americans are tired of feeling unsafe in their communities and losing loved ones to drug overdoses. I’m proud to introduce the Border Safety and Security Act to regain control of our southern border, hold this administration accountable, and put Americans’ safety first.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The bill was co-sponsored by Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL) and J.D. Vance (R-OH) and supported by several conservative think tanks, including the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute.
The Washington Examiner reached out to DHS for comment.