House Republicans and the White House clashed on Wednesday over border security and immigration policies under President Biden.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) criticized the administration during a trip to Eagle Pass, Texas, accusing them of attacking elected officials addressing the border crisis instead of providing leadership.
House conservatives push for border concessions through aid refusals
House conservatives, led by Johnson, aim to force concessions from the administration by using their refusal to back aid to Ukraine and Israel as leverage against possible government shutdowns.
They also plan to resume efforts next week to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Johnson emphasized that any supplemental spending bill focused on national security must prioritize defending America’s national security.
Read More: White House accuses Republicans of escalating border crisis
Biden aims to revive national security narrative with GOP accusations
In response, President Biden is gearing up for campaign events, aiming to revive arguments that American democracy and national security are at risk due to GOP “extremists” and the actions of former President Trump.
The President seeks to portray the GOP’s tactics as partisan, obstructionist, and dangerous.
Mayorkas pledges cooperation with House Committee on immigration
Mayorkas, the Homeland Security Secretary, stated plans to cooperate with the House Homeland Security Committee while continuing to work on immigration proposals with a bipartisan group of senators.
Impeachment of a Cabinet secretary is rare but not unprecedented, and Mayorkas aims to navigate the challenges while advancing immigration reforms.
Also Read: White House declines request of invite to Hanukkah Reception by families of American hostages
Trump faces legal hurdles in bid to reenter presidential race
Separately, former President Trump faces legal challenges as he seeks to return to the White House.
He asked the Supreme Court to quickly reverse a Colorado court ruling, attempting to secure his place on the primary ballot.
Legal experts believe the court will address questions about his candidacy’s eligibility under the Constitution’s 14th Amendment.
Unsealed Epstein ties complicate Trump’s political comeback
U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska unsealed the names of over 170 individuals with ties to Jeffrey Epstein, including Trump, Prince Andrew, and former President Clinton.
The revelation adds a layer of complexity to Trump’s potential political comeback.
President Biden’s 2024 election strategy
President Biden plans speeches at Valley Forge, Pa., and the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., commemorating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack and the 2015 Emanuel AME Church shooting.
The events are part of Biden’s strategy to emphasize the perceived existential threat posed by Trump, framing the 2024 election as crucial for democracy.
In a media call, Biden’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, highlighted the campaign’s approach: “We are running a campaign like the fate of our democracy depends on it. Because it does.”
Read Next: White House labels Congressional Republicans as ‘extreme’ in year end memo
