Press Releases

Washington, DC – April 29, 2021....Today, Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR) joined Republican Leader of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), and other members in sending a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris, the White House’s lead in stemming the flow of migrants at our southwest border, requesting an update on the results of the 60-day pause and review of border wall construction contracts. The letter insists that previously appropriated funds be used immediately to address the ongoing crisis. The request from Republican Appropriators comes as the nation witnesses a staggering number of migrants apprehended crossing the border.

“We request that you provide to the Committee on Appropriations the results of the review, including:

• the metrics that are being used to determine whether continued construction will occur by border sector;
• the status of funds previously appropriated and made available for construction;
• a list of all payments made or expected for contractors who could not complete work during the period of the pause; and
• a full accounting of any other costs that have been incurred by the government while construction was prohibited by the Administration.

“Border wall construction funds were appropriated by the Congress as a result of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations and should be spent as provided in law. As you can see by the unprecedented number of apprehensions reported by Customs and Border Protection, we are in a state of emergency that requires action, not delay in spending the funds Congress has already made available. We stand ready to work with our security and law enforcement agencies to address this crisis and look forward to receiving your response.”
 
Read the full letter here.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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