[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 65 (Thursday, April 15, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H1797-H1798]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SECURING OUR SOUTHERN BORDER

  (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the current 
crisis at our southern border.
  In March, unlawful border crossings reached their highest level in 15 
years. This includes nearly 19,000 unaccompanied minors, which 
represents a 99

[[Page H1798]]

percent increase from February and the highest figure ever recorded.
  This is a dangerous humanitarian, health, and security crisis that 
warrants immediate action.
  I am particularly concerned about these children, Mr. Speaker. As the 
President of Mexico recently confirmed, this administration's policies 
and speeches on this subject have convinced families that they can send 
their children to the United States in search of a better life.
  Yet, we know that the situation is often dire for these children. 
Human traffickers made an estimated $14 million per day along the 
border in the month of February alone.
  Shortly, I will be joining my colleagues to visit the border and 
speak directly to our Border Patrol agents firsthand about their 
experiences.
  I look forward to sharing that insight with my constituents. However, 
we already know that there is unprecedented disorder at the border, and 
immediate action is needed. We must secure our border immediately.

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