Thank you for being here. But first of all, I want to tell you how much I appreciate your staff reaching out to us over the weekend with the Mississippi tornadoes.

I am not a meteorologist, I don't pretend to be one. I have watched the ones that are on TV.

I think that walls are beneficial. I think that they do a great job.

We are here today to discuss our shared border with Canada and how we are working with our neighbors to effectively manage the more than 5,000 miles of border that connect us geographically, economically, and culturally.

Unfortunately, Republicans are trying to create a misimpression of chaos on the Northern Border.

They are manipulating data and conveniently leaving out certain details to weave a politically-motivated story.

They don't mention that so far this fiscal year, only 1 pound of fentanyl has been seized.

When discussing increased 'encounters' on the Northern Border, Republicans use percentages to exaggerate small numbers.

I do not see any circumstance where I can go back to the people that elected me and tell them that our border is secure.

However, the reality is far different.

the Biden administration's disastrous border policies have worsened the crisis at all of our borders, not just the Southern Border.

The Biden administration's disastrous border policies have worsened the crisis at all of our borders.

Republicans use percentages to exaggerate small numbers.

I am confident that we will find common ground to work together in this subcommittee and address the obstacles facing not only our constituents but all Americans.

it is easy to lose sight of the challenges of homelessness faced by other communities, especially in rural areas...

it's never too early to think about the longer-term recovery needs of these communities and families.

I believe that the funding decisions need to be met with fiscal responsible decisionmaking that ensures taxpayers are prioritized also.

I'm seeing more of the encampments in different places and, you know, there definitely is an increase.