House Republicans, leveraging their slim majority, passed a resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris for her handling of border security, a contentious issue the GOP is keen to spotlight as they prepare for the upcoming elections. The resolution, spearheaded by GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik of New York, saw a vote of 220-196, with six Democrats breaking ranks to support the measure.
The Democrats who voted in favor were Reps. Jared Golden (Maine), Yadira Caraveo (Colo.), Don Davis (N.C.), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.), Henry Cuellar (Texas), and Mary Peltola (Alaska). Notably, no Republicans opposed the resolution.
The move underscores the Republican strategy to hold Harris accountable for what they describe as an "open border crisis." Stefanik emphasized the severity of the issue on the House floor, stating, "No matter what congressional district you go to, the number one issue facing Americans is Kamala Harris' open border crisis. The American people deserve elected officials who understand the gravity of the crisis at the border."
The resolution, though symbolic, reflects broader GOP intentions to challenge Harris as she ascends as the Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden's recent decision to withdraw from the race and endorse her. This tactical pivot aims to capitalize on public concern over immigration and border security.
House Democrats accused their GOP counterparts of slander, pointing out changes made to the resolution's language. Initially, it stated that Harris was appointed as the "border czar," but this was amended to note she "came to be known colloquially as the Biden administration's 'border czar.'" Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) criticized the resolution, asserting, "This is a non-binding resolution. This will never become law. The idea that Kamala Harris was the border czar was invented by right-wing media."
The resolution highlights Harris's delayed visit to the southern border, noting it took her "93 days as the border czar before finally visiting the southern border on June 25, 2021." It also cites former U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz, who claimed he never had a conversation with Harris or Biden during his tenure.
Republicans argue that Harris's approach has exacerbated the border crisis. "Kamala Harris has failed in overseeing American safety by refusing to secure the border," Stefanik stated. "She has proved that she is unfit to lead."
The White House dismissed the GOP's criticisms, defending the administration's handling of border security and accusing Republicans of rejecting bipartisan solutions. "President Biden and Vice President Harris are leading on border security, while congressional Republicans sabotage it by disgracefully siding with Donald Trump, fentanyl traffickers, and human smugglers over our national security," White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) accused Republicans of fabricating Harris's role as "border czar." "The Vice President was not a border czar," he stated. "They are making that up because they have no affirmative agenda, vision, or track record for the American people."
The focus on Harris's border policy follows Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) advice to Republicans to avoid attacks focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion politics, urging them to prioritize policy over personality. "This election ... is going to be about policies, not personalities. This isn't personal with regard to Kamala Harris," Johnson said. "Her ethnicity, her gender, has nothing to do with this whatsoever."
