WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX), joined by his Republican colleagues in the Texas Congressional Delegation, sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting he grant Governor Greg Abbott’s request for a federal emergency declaration at the southern border.

On September 20, 2021, Governor Abbott formally requested an emergency declaration to help the state’s response to the escalating crisis at the border. The situation in Val Verde County has become untenable due to a massive influx of almost 12,000 migrants. To date, the federal government has failed to properly enforce immigration laws or halt crossings on federal property.

Congressman Gooden stated, “One of the primary responsibilities of the federal government is to ensure our border is secure.” He continued, “Border security is national security, and it is time the Biden Administration recognizes this crisis for what it is --- an emergency situation unlike anything we have seen in decades.”

The State of Texas has provided billions thus far in additional assistance to secure the southern border of the United States. A federal declaration of emergency would free up additional federal dollars to help the state respond to the crisis.

The text of the letter can be found here.