Columbia Standard

U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, is taking a strong stance on securing the southern border and addressing the alarming increase in illegal immigration. In response to the record high numbers of illegal border crossings, Senator Scott has introduced 10 pieces of legislation aimed at restoring law and order and stopping the illicit trafficking of fentanyl.

Senator Scott emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, "Securing our southern border should not hinge on a Democrat wish-list of overseas spending." He highlights the staggering statistic of over 300,000 illegal border crossings in the month of December alone, equating it to twice the population of Charleston, South Carolina. For him, border security is a matter of national security, and he urges his colleagues in Congress and the President to support Republican legislation that will protect communities from terrorism and illegal trafficking.

Among the legislation that Senator Scott is championing are the Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, and the Back the Blue Act of 2023. These bills aim to tackle illegal immigration, combat the influx of fentanyl across the southern border, and address the issue of human trafficking. Additionally, Senator Scott supports measures such as the Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2023, the Combatting Violent and Dangerous Crime Act, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, the Keep Our Border Agents Paid Act, the Securing Our Border Act, and the Stop Fentanyl Border Crossings Act.

Recognizing the growing fentanyl crisis in America, Senator Scott, in his role as Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, has also introduced the FEND Off Fentanyl Act. This legislation targets every aspect of the illicit fentanyl supply chain, from the chemical suppliers in China to the manufacturers in Mexico and the cartels involved in smuggling the deadly drug across the border. The aim is to cut off the income source of synthetic opioid traffickers and prevent the flow of fentanyl into the United States. The FEND Off Fentanyl Act has received unanimous support from the Senate Banking Committee and garnered 66 Senate cosponsors. It has even been included in the Senate's version of the National Defense Authorization Act.

Senator Scott's dedication to addressing border security and combating the fentanyl crisis is evident in his extensive legislative efforts. He recognizes the importance of taking immediate action to protect American communities from the threats of terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, and human exploitation. As he continues to champion these commonsense solutions, Senator Scott calls upon his fellow lawmakers and the President to support these Republican initiatives and prioritize the safety and well-being of the American people.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-blasts-democrats-obstruction-of-border-security-doubles-down-on-commonsense-solutions/