Dan Crenshaw

I just want to clarify something.

the purpose of CBP is, in fact, customs and border protection.

When this crisis unfolded in early 2019, we were sounding the alarm. It was ignored.

I want to take the opportunity to let our CBP officers and Border Patrol agents know that we appreciate your service.

This hearing appears to be designed, at worst, to drive a false narrative that implies malicious behavior by CBP.

Let's be clear. Each of those children who lost their life is absolutely tragic. It is also shameful to try and put the blame on our CBP officers and Border Patrol agents.

the reason is there is overcrowding is many of our policies encourage people to illegally cross the border.

We have sort-of reversed what it means to have a sense of duty in this country.

We could easily socially distance. We could wear masks. We could take all the proper precautions.

I continue to have concerns about hearings not being held in person. A great deal is lost in translation.

As we see cases increasing, we must ensure that our health care providers and first responders have the equipment they need.

The size and scope of this response effort is unprecedented. We have not experienced anything like this in the history of our country.

I think that we should be asking our leadership to put us back into Congress, in person.

It is in one of our duties in the Constitution, Article I, Section 8, Clause 8 of the Constitution, 'to promote the progress of science and useful arts...'

America really is the greatest nation in the world, best equipped to answer the world's challenges.

Such an important line. Patent protection, personal property rights, the ability to sell your invention.

I think liability coverage protection, that is the most important thing Congress can do.

I am very concerned that I hear the Congress is thinking about renewing or restoring or extending that policy.

I think that is very important. And, I mean, we would argue... the school year should start earlier than September to make up for lost time.

The association is clear. A strong economy most benefits minorities, and a worsening economy most hurts them.

economic lockdowns, in essence, choosing the costliest, most extreme possible option before we went through a series of other options to mitigate the spread of the virus

I need to be on record saying that. It should not be up to the Minority with our one witness to make sure that there is somebody from the Department to come to the hearing.

This notion that we should continue instilling fear in people is very, very harmful to our society.

If we are going to talk about science-based getting back to work, then we actually have to use some science, and we actually have to ask some doctors.

I want to start my statement by remembering and commemorating the life and service of Border Patrol Agent Johan Mordan.