The NEPA process has not only remediated dangerous chemicals in an urban area, but has made it possible to open a community health center.

The worst thing we could do for our own security is drive our Latin American neighbors into the arms of our adversaries.

I will say it again, China has surpassed the United States as South America's biggest trading partner.

We are in a competition for hearts and minds across the region... we need to strengthen those relationships now.

It is vital that the United States strengthen our relationships with our neighbors in the region.

We cannot allow that to happen.

It is more important than ever that we build strong relationships with our allies in Latin America based on mutual respect, fair commerce, and a shared commitment to security and human rights.

Investing in aid and commerce in Latin America is not charity, it is in our national security interest.

if China is going to Latin America and offering money and infrastructure and security, the United States has to counter that with more than rhetoric.

This is a time for engagement and partnership, not hyperpartisanship.

The notion that President Biden or Secretary Mayorkas are guilty of 'dereliction of duty' are absurd.

I am getting sick and tired of House Republicans politicizing the Department of Homeland Security.

There are common-sense, bipartisan actions that this committee could be taking up to improve security along the Southern Border.

I support those things. They don't. Fine. Leave that conversation for another day.

One of the remedies to this is, let people apply for asylum at U.S. consulates or from their home countries so that they can see whether they are eligible or not.

I have also been pleased with the Biden administration's handling of Title 42's expiration.

I am glad that we are having this hearing to examine threats posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations to the U.S. homeland.

We cannot allow these criminal networks to operate with impunity and endanger our homeland security and public safety.

There are solutions here. They don't need to be partisan solutions.

the reality is that because these TCO treats emanate from outside our border, because the violence, the taking advantage of people who are fleeing poverty, fleeing persecution all originates or primarily originates in Central, South…

I am glad to be holding this hearing to examine threats posed by transnational criminal organizations to the U.S. homeland.

I have introduced a bill--or I'm introducing a bill soon to stiffen penalties for dealers that fail to conduct background checks that they are legally required to conduct.

Streamlining asylum processing and allowing migrants to apply for legal protection before they get to our border is smart policy.

This bill would go back to honoring that treaty and returning that land.

I think it is important that everyone in this Congress understand the importance of staffing for your agency so that you can do this work.