[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 10 (Thursday, January 18, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         DENOUNCING BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S OPEN-BORDER POLICIES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Molinaro) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, President Biden and the Biden 
administration have surrendered the southern border, and the policies 
of this administration continue to make worse a national security 
crisis, a public safety crisis, and a humanitarian crisis of epic 
proportions.
  Earlier this month, I joined my colleagues visiting, again, the 
southern border and saw firsthand that despite the heroic work of 
Border Patrol officers and despite every effort of the men and women 
serving in this Nation, we have seen a total collapse in our border 
security system.
  There is unfettered fentanyl trafficking, a record 7 million illegal 
crossings, and strained communities and law enforcement throughout our 
Southern States.
  This crisis, though, isn't isolated only to border States. In fact, 
because of the failure of this administration, every State is a border 
State. Because of the decisions made by mayors like the one in New York 
City, communities like ours continue to face growing challenges and a 
growing crisis.
  The communities I represent are strained to provide services to those 
who are homeless and housing insecure, those who are hungry and need 
help, and those who struggle with mental health and substance use 
disorder.
  Yet, the President and the Governor of the State of New York continue 
to allow Mayor Eric Adams to circumvent the law and transport human 
souls to communities in upstate New York.
  Deadly drug trafficking continues, with fentanyl and synthetic 
opioids pouring into our country and into communities, taking countless 
American lives.
  We have a means to end this crisis. The President has the tools and 
resources at his disposal today to confront the crisis in a way that 
recognizes a concern for national security and in a way that is 
compassionate. He chooses not to.
  The House has adopted H.R. 2, which would strengthen border security, 
enhance the asylum-seeking vetting process, and support and care for 
unaccompanied minors. Yet, we see no progress from the Senate or the 
President in embracing those policies.
  There is a solution to securing our border, and we must act now. The 
President needs to not only acknowledge the problem but work in a 
bipartisan fashion to recognize the tools at his disposal and to secure 
our border.

                              {time}  1045


Honoring the Memory of Senior Sergeant Christopher Filli of the Hudson 
                           Police Department

  Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Senior 
Sergeant Christopher Filli of the Hudson City Police Department in 
Columbia County in upstate New York and acknowledging with a heavy 
heart the untimely passing of a man who embodied the essence of 
community, duty, and passion.
  I know his family and knew Chris to be a devoted husband, father, and 
son. He left us on January 12, 2024, while faithfully serving the 
community he loved.
  His journey began on January 19, 1973, and over the course of 22 
years, he demonstrated exceptional commitment and selfless service to 
the Hudson City Police Department and the Hudson community.
  From his early days with the Copake and Philmont Police Departments 
to his final role as senior sergeant, Chris' dedication was unwavering. 
He not only protected the city of Hudson, but also found joy in a 
second career as the owner of Chris Filli & Son Tree Service, 
Incorporated.
  Mr. Speaker, we will always remember Chris for being a family man, 
cherishing every moment spent with his wife, Megan, and their children, 
creating a legacy of love and great devotion. We are heartbroken but 
stand united in honoring Chris' memory. May he rest in peace, and may 
his legacy of dedication to his community and his family live on in our 
hearts.

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