Over the past few months, Arkansans have made it clear that they want a secure southwest border and an operational government. This past week, the House and Senate passed legislation that accomplishes these goals. 

The spending agreement funds historic levels of funding for border security including $22.5 billion for overall border security, $1.4 billion for 55 new miles of physical barrier, and 139 additional immigration judge teams that the president requested.

Compared to funding levels from 2018, there is no question that this bill empowers the Department of Homeland Security to better protect our borders.

For Border Technology
2018: 196 million
2019: $725 million, with $570 million specifically for ports of entry inspection equipment.

Facility Improvements
2018: $0
2019: $270 million, including $220 million for humanitarian needs.

Immigration Judges
FY 2018: 395
FY 2019: 534

This is a step in the right direction, however the job is not finished. Our border security experts agree that we still need more manpower on the border, reforms to our asylum laws, and increased interior enforcement.

I will continue to work with the president and my Congressional colleagues to resolve the crisis on our southwest border and keep the country safe.