Restoring our Federal Border Lands

Under the new Administration, illegal border crossings have never been lower. However, the aftermath of incredibly loose border security policies has created a mess that now needs to be cleaned up. Under numerous Executive Orders, our border security measures have been tightened, securing communities near the border and across the United States. In step with these measures, the House Committee on Natural Resources is producing legislation that will protect our lands and expand Border Patrol’s access in wilderness areas.

This week, under Natural Resources Committee jurisdiction, a hearing was held through the Subcommittee on Federal Lands to discuss the FLASH Act, which provides comprehensive solutions to complement the Trump administration’s actions and ensure that federal border lands are protected from the national security, environmental, and humanitarian crises resulting from illegal immigration. 

Over the past several years, we have seen a buildup of trash and unauthorized trails, laying waste to the majesty of our nation’s landscape and unique geography that frames the southern border. Taking care of our nation’s land has always been a priority, especially as Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. In that capacity, it was a privilege to visit the southern border last spring to see first-hand how many problems leaving our border wall unfinished caused. Federal land management agencies oversee roughly 35 percent of the U.S. southern border. Even during periods of strong border enforcement, the remote nature of these border lands makes them prime targets for criminals, drug smugglers and human traffickers. And because of this influx, we see large amounts of trash and unauthorized trails created in their wake.

It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to our nation’s border security crisis by implementing solutions, like the FLASH Act, that will provide much-needed relief for border communities and the men and women who risk their lives to protect them. House Republicans are ready to offer solutions to the problems Americans have been asking for years to be solved. And the House Natural Resources Committee is stepping up to the plate to deliver on that promise.