Central ND News

Jan 25, 2024

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) recently appeared on NewsNation's "Morning in America" to address the ongoing negotiations surrounding the border security proposal. There have been reports claiming that the current bill would allow up to 5,000 migrants a day into the United States. Senator Cramer categorically denied these reports, stating, "That's a blatant lie. It simply does not do that, and the people who are saying so know better."

Although Senator Cramer clarified that he and his colleagues have not seen the text of the bill, he explained the intent behind the negotiations. The goal is to slow down the border crisis and eventually put an end to most illegal crossings. He emphasized, "What we know it does, and what's been agreed to in the negotiation, is they're committed to building an infrastructure and policies that will actually slow down the crossings at the border and eventually, probably end most illegal crossings."

Regarding the 5,000 number mentioned in the reports, Senator Cramer clarified that it is contingent upon having the necessary infrastructure, policies, and facilities at the border to handle such a volume of people. He explained, "The 5,000 number is how many are being turned around, and if you get beyond the 5,000 number, so you can't deal with 5,000 a day, the border closes automatically, mandatory."

Senator Cramer also shed light on the negotiation process for the southern border legislation. He acknowledged that it has not followed the normal committee process but rather has been a negotiated process due to the differing preferences of the senators involved. He highlighted the importance of bipartisan support in the United States Senate, stating, "You can't get 60 votes in the United States Senate unless you get Republicans and Democrats on board."

Responding to concerns about transparency in the negotiations, Senator Cramer assured that regular updates and reports have been provided by the lead negotiator, James Lankford. He mentioned, "Our lead negotiator, James Lankford has reached out to every single one of us on a regular basis, individually as well as bringing regular reports to the conference. There's nobody that should be ignorant about the progress that has been made."

Senator Cramer acknowledged the frustration expressed by some individuals who feel they have not been included in the negotiation process. However, he emphasized the importance of negotiation in a divided government, stating, "This is progress that will never be made in a different scenario than divided government." He further explained that in order to achieve a bipartisan deal, negotiation is necessary, even if it leads to some frustration.

Addressing concerns about Republicans not supporting Ukraine, Senator Cramer stated that if the bills were separated, they would likely pass individually. He attributed the current angst to Republicans who do not want to support Ukraine, adding, "They're not Reagan Republicans. They don't understand the history of the Cold War and our geopolitical obligations." He further explained that leveraging Ukraine aid has been a way to secure a favorable package for border security.

In conclusion, while the details of the border security proposal are still being negotiated, Senator Cramer clarified that the reports claiming the bill would allow 5,000 migrants a day into the United States are false. The intent of the negotiations is to address the border crisis and reduce illegal crossings. The senator emphasized the importance of negotiation in a divided government and assured that regular updates have been provided to all involved.