WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the US House of Representatives passed HR 2, the Secure the Border Act, and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, R-Tennessee, was the architect behind the border security portion of the bill.

After marking up the bill for 16 hours, the committee sent HR 2 to the House floor, where it successfully passed Thursday, according to Green’s office.

“The Secure the Border Act is a tangible piece of legislation that ensures Tennesseans and Americans get to enjoy safer communities,” said Green, of Clarksville. “HR 2 will force the Biden administration to do what it has refused to do up until now: secure the border, put an end to human trafficking, and stop the flow of fentanyl into the country.”

One-third of the legislation was crafted by the Homeland Security Committee, including portions on personnel, technology and border infrastructure after discussions with border communities and frontline law enforcement, Green said.

“One of the most important byproducts of our Secure the Border Act is defeating the cartels by cutting off their source of income. The Biden administration’s open border policies have enriched these criminals; House Republicans are saying enough is enough. Over the past 26 months, the Biden administration has released millions of illegal aliens into the country, and Title 42 comes to an end, things are about to get much worse. That’s why the time to pass new border security measures is now. This legislation will secure the border, help end human trafficking, and bleed drug cartels dry. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up this legislation immediately,” Green said.

Under the version of the bill passed by the Republican-controlled House, and which will now go to the Senate, the legislation would:

  • Force the Biden administration to restart construction of the border wall.
  • Deploy technology to the Southwest and northern border.
  • Increase the number of Border Patrol agents and provide bonus pay.
  • Require transparency regarding the number of illegal crossings from the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Strengthen current law to protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking.
  • End catch and release.
  • End abuse of executive immigration authority.
  • Strengthen and streamline the asylum process.

Republican Party leaders in Clarksville spoke in support of the measure in comments shared with Clarksville Now.

“In support of all law enforcement, CBP, and agents that protect our great nation at the border, the Montgomery County, Tennessee, GOP supports the key issues in HR 2 to keep our men and women protected and resourced to perform their critical duties. Without conservative approaches towards border control and law enforcement, Americans will no longer be safe from illegal immigration, even as far as our small town in Tennessee,” said Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman Doug Englen.

“The Secure the Border Act is a vital piece of legislation and has broad support from Tennesseans. It aims to strengthen our border security and protect our state and nation from threats posed by illegal immigration. Passage of this bill will ensure the safety and security of our citizens and prevent the entry of criminals, drugs, and other illegal activities into Tennessee and our country. I appreciate Congressman Green for his work on this measure and urge Congress to pass it,” said state Sen. Bill Powers of Clarksville.

“HR 2 puts the teeth back in our border security. It also reinforces our Border Patrol agents, of which are 50% Latino. As chair of Latinos for Tennessee, this is not a racial issue but a safety issue. I stand with Congressman Green in his fight for putting safety first,” said Tommy Vallejos, chairman of Latinos for Tennessee.

Clarksville Now also reached out to local Democratic Party leadership, who said the bill will be “dead on arrival” in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

“Our country needs serious bipartisan immigration reform that can pass both chambers,” said Charles Uffelman, chairman of the Montgomery County Democratic Party. “Clarksville is a city that welcomes people from across the country and across the world. We are seeking immigration solutions that protect our borders and treat our neighbors with dignity. The congressman should reach across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation, not more messaging bills.”

PREVIOUSLY: Congressman Mark Green on border security and bridging the partisan divide | AUDIO