The Republican-led House passed a resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris for her role as “border czar” amid criticisms of the broader Biden administration's immigration policies.

On Thursday, the House measure criticized the administration’s handling of illegal immigration -- particularly that spearheaded by Harris -- with six Democrats crossing party lines to support it, as the Daily Wire reports.

Resolution Critiques Harris and Biden Administration

The resolution condemning Harris was spearheaded by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and passed the House on Thursday. This came after President Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign and endorsed Harris as his successor. Concurrently, Harris has already secured enough delegates to win the Democratic Party’s nomination.

Specifically, the resolution took issue with Biden and Harris's perceived failures to control illegal immigration and suggested a return to Trump's border policies. It highlighted various criticisms, such as the ending of Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” program and delays in Harris visiting the border.

Further clauses in the resolution emphasized incidents of illegal crossings, terrorist watchlist individuals attempting to cross, taxpayer costs, and murders committed by illegal immigrants. They underscored the belief that continuing current border policies would be detrimental to national security and public safety.

Break In Democratic Ranks

In a notable shift, six Democrats joined 214 Republicans in voting for the resolution. The Democrats who broke ranks were Reps. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Don Davis (D-NC), Jared Golden (D-ME), Mary Peltola (D-AK), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA).

Meanwhile, 196 Democrats stood in opposition, while 16 members did not cast a vote, including six Republicans and 10 Democrats. This division signifies the contentious nature of the border debate within both parties.

Stefanik’s support for the measure was evident in her statements. She noted, "Today my resolution condemning Kamala Harris for her role as Joe Biden’s open border czar passed the House."

Stefanik's Staunch Criticisms

Stefanik did not hold back, attributing the border crisis to the Biden-Harris administration. "Let me be clear: Harris and every elected Democrat owns this historic border crisis that has turned every community into a border community," she asserted.

The lawmaker specifically condemned Harris’s approach at the Northern Border in the Swanton Sector, claiming it led to a massive surge in illegal crossings, including individuals on the terrorist watchlist. She highlighted the urgent need to revert to the border policies enacted by Donald Trump.

The congresswoman also spoke about humanitarian aspects, stating, “Kamala Harris didn’t just create a national security crisis, but a humanitarian crisis that has endangered the lives of millions. House Republicans will secure the border.”

Opposition From Democrats

Despite the resolution passing, many Democrats objected to the measure. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed it as a “fake and fraudulent resolution.”

In March 2021, Biden tasked Harris with addressing migration issues. Harris emphasized a strategy targeting the root causes of migration instead of just border enforcement. However, the opposition argued that such approaches had failed to yield results.

Those critical of the current administration allege that its actions, particularly the ending of the “Remain in Mexico” policy in August 2022, exacerbated the border crisis. They claim the policy rollbacks have led to more encounters with illegal immigrants and created security and fiscal burdens on taxpayers.

Historical Context of the Issue

The border crisis, as characterized by the resolution, refers to the surge in illegal crossings and related issues. The “Remain in Mexico” program, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols, was a Trump-era policy that required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their U.S. cases were processed.

The Republican-led resolution argues that the reversal of this policy under Biden and Harris has led to increased border instability. They cite numerous incidents to reinforce their stance that a tougher, more security-focused approach is necessary.

With the passage of this resolution, House Republicans signal a strong message regarding their stance on immigration and border security as the country moves toward the next presidential election cycle.

Future Implications and Next Steps

As Harris continues her campaign to succeed Biden, the resolution represents a strategic move by Republicans to highlight perceived weaknesses in Democratic policies. This adds another dimension to the political landscape leading up to the 2024 elections.

The resolution’s lasting impact will likely depend on its reception by the Senate and its influence on public opinion. For now, it sets the stage for ongoing debates around immigration policies and national security.

In summary, the House resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris and the Biden administration for their border policies marks a significant political maneuver. It underscores the contentious debates over immigration and highlights divisions within both parties as the country approaches an election year.