Murphy: For Donald Trump And The Republicans, The Border Is Just A Moneymaking Grievance Machine That They … – Senator Chris Murphy
WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Thursday spoke on the U.S. Senate floor on Republicans refusal to work with Democrats to address the crisis at the border they pretend to care about because they would rather help Trumps re-election.
Murphy explained why Republicans blocked his bipartisan legislation with U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) to address the crisis at the border: Because Republicans do not wantto fix the border.The secret's out. ForRepublicans, the border is amoneymaking grievance machine.And if we passed our border billand fixed the problem,Republicans literally wouldn'tknow what for do with theirdays.Fox would lose ratings.Republican Senators would loseclicks and donors. Donald Trumpwould lose an issue to campaignon.What would some of my Republican Senatecolleagues do with theirweekends if they couldn't godown to the border and dress upas border patrol officers andscream about fake outrage?If the border bill passed, ifthe border was under control,Republicans might have to gethobbies. If the bipartisan bill tocontrol our border had passed,our border would be moreorderly.Our immigration system would bevastly improved.America would be better off andmore secure.But, yes, Republicans would losetheir moneymaking grievancemachine: the broken border.That's what happened. Republicans killed the toughestbipartisan border bill that theyhave ever seen because theydon't want to fix the border.They want to keep it a messbecause they think it helps thempolitically.
Murphy compared President Bidens intentions with Donald Trumps desire to exploit the border as a political issue: You know who does want to fixthe border?President Joe Biden, Democratsin Congress.Joe Biden asked for thoseadditional resources to hiremore patrol agents, to buildmore detention capacity, to installmore technology at the border tointerrupt the fentanyl trade.Joe Biden helped write thebipartisan border bill whichgave him those new powers Italked about. And today, Joe Bidenis going to be at the border totalk about his agenda to putborder security first, but alsoto make other badly neededchanges to our immigrationsystem, like improving ourasylum system and getting apathway to citizenship forpeople who have been living inthe shadows of our society forfar too long.Donald Trump is going to be atthe border today, too, but for adifferent reason.Donald Trump does not see theborder as a problem that needsto be fixed.Donald Trump sees the border asa problem to be exploited.He openly brags aboutinstructing his followers herein the United States Senate tokill the bipartisan border billbecause its passage would havebeen good for Joe Biden and thecountry.
Murphy concluded: For Joe Biden the border is aserious issue that he wants tofix.He has a plan to do it.For Donald Trump and theRepublicans, the border is justa moneymaking grievance machinethat they refuse to solve.
A full transcript of Murphys remarks can be found below:
So, here's a snapshot ofwhat happened.Republicans said that fixing theborder was their top priority.They appointed a hardlineconservative, my friend Senator James Lankford, to come up with a bipartisan bill to fix the border. They said if Lankford can get the deal, they'd support it.
We got that deal.If it passed, it would have beenthe toughest border securitybill in our lifetime.Arguably, it would have been thetoughest border security billever.$20 billion for border security, more detention beds, more patrolofficers, more asylum officers,more equipment to interceptfentanyl, a new power for the president toclose parts of the border whencrossings get too high.An end to the era in which anasylum applicant could spend tenyears in the country beforetheir application was heard.
It was tough.It would have helped to fix theborder.It was a compromise.Get this: it was supported by theconservative pro-Trump BorderPatrol Union and theleft-leaning Association ofImmigration Attorneys. TheWashington Post was for it, andThe Wall Street Journal wasfor it.It was a true compromise.
But within hours of the bill'srelease, Republicans killed it.When it came to the floor, onlyfour Republicans voted for thebill they asked for.It has now been 22 days sinceRepublicans killed the toughestborder security bill of ourlifetime a bipartisan bill thatwould have helped us control theborder.
Why did Republicans do this?Because Republicans do not wantto fix the border.The secret's out. ForRepublicans, the border is amoneymaking grievance machine.
And if we passed our border billand fixed the problem,Republicans literally wouldn'tknow what for do with theirdays.Fox would lose ratings.Republican Senators would loseclicks and donors. Donald Trumpwould lose an issue to campaignon.
What would some of my Republican Senatecolleagues do with theirweekends if they couldn't godown to the border and dress upas border patrol officers andscream about fake outrage?If the border bill passed, ifthe border was under control,Republicans might have to gethobbies.
If the bipartisan bill tocontrol our border had passed,our border would be moreorderly.Our immigration system would bevastly improved.America would be better off andmore secure.But, yes, Republicans would losetheir moneymaking grievancemachine: the broken border.
That's what happened. Republicans killed the toughestbipartisan border bill that theyhave ever seen because theydon't want to fix the border.They want to keep it a messbecause they think it helps thempolitically.
22 days since Republicans killedthe toughest bipartisan bordersecurity bill in over a decade.
You know who does want to fixthe border?President Joe Biden, Democratsin Congress.Joe Biden asked for thoseadditional resources to hiremore patrol agents, to buildmore detention capacity, to installmore technology at the border tointerrupt the fentanyl trade.
Joe Biden helped write thebipartisan border bill whichgave him those new powers Italked about. And today, Joe Bidenis going to be at the border totalk about his agenda to putborder security first, but alsoto make other badly neededchanges to our immigrationsystem, like improving ourasylum system and getting apathway to citizenship forpeople who have been living inthe shadows of our society forfar too long.
Donald Trump is going to be atthe border today, too, but for adifferent reason.Donald Trump does not see theborder as a problem that needsto be fixed.Donald Trump sees the border asa problem to be exploited.He openly brags aboutinstructing his followers herein the United States Senate tokill the bipartisan border billbecause its passage would havebeen good for Joe Biden and thecountry.
For Joe Biden the border is aserious issue that he wants tofix.He has a plan to do it.For Donald Trump and theRepublicans, the border is justa moneymaking grievance machinethat they refuse to solve.
The problem is that nothing can passin Washington without Republicansupport.I know there are Republicans whovoted for the bipartisan bill. Only four, but the rule is that Republicansrefuse to support moreresources, more patrol officers,more detention beds, and therule is that they will voteagainst any bipartisanlegislation to make the bordermore secure.
So, [it has been] 22 days since Republicanskilled the toughest bordersecurity bill during our time inthe Senate, and unfortunately theborder is going to remainunresolved so long as Republicans dont want to solve it.
###
- Surveys Show Republicans and Democrats Are Moving Further Apart - The Wall Street Journal - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Democrats and Republicans disapprove of Medicare, Medicaid cuts, Northeastern research finds - Northeastern Global News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- US Senate Republicans narrowly reject Schumer bid to force vote on Epstein files - Reuters - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Republicans Use Funding Bill to Dismantle Our Health Care System and Attack Public Education - House.gov - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Don't call it the Big Beautiful Bill. Kansas Republicans in on rebrand - The Topeka Capital-Journal - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Fellow Republicans, friends remember Charlie Kirk, shot and killed while speaking at university event in Utah - CBS News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Maine Republicans urge Trump to revoke offshore wind leases, citing fishing industry risks - WGME - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Assembly Republicans announce scattered package of education bills and task forces - Wisconsin Examiner - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Charlie Kirks killing created a powder keg. Why are Republicans waving matches around? - San Francisco Chronicle - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Republicans Call on Evers to Keep Klein Hall Open - WEAU - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Missouri House Set to Vote on Map That Boosts Republicans - The New York Times - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Republicans in Congress are eager for Trump to expand his use of the military on US soil - AP News - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Will Republicans in Congress finally stand up to Trump? - The Guardian - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Why Republicans are avoiding their favorite target in Californias redistricting fight - CalMatters - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Republicans dismiss Epstein letter seemingly signed by Trump: Not his signature - KWTX - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- California Republicans energized by their opposition to Newsom's redistricting special election - Los Angeles Times - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Congressional Republicans Are Poised to Slash Millions from Student-Support Programs - The Chronicle of Higher Education - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- California Republicans say redistricting battle should play out in the state, not Congress - Times of San Diego - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Republicans move to create mandatory sentences and cash bail in DC - Straight Arrow News - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Republicans grapple with internal divide over Obamacare credits - Semafor - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Senate Republicans prepare to 'go nuclear.' What does that mean? - Deseret News - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Republicans in Congress are eager for Donald Trump to expand his use of the military on U.S. soil - Inquirer.com - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Missouri House Republicans give initial approval to initiative petition reform - ABC17NEWS - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Morning Digest: Kansas Republicans want to gerrymander. They have a few problems. - The Downballot - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- House Republicans Vote to Affirm House Oversight Committee Investigation into Epstein Files - Congressman Mike Johnson (.gov) - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- The monarchy must win over teenage patriotic republicans - The Times - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- House Republicans split with Trump team over 'very frustrating' funding fight as shutdown looms - Fox News - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Even some Republicans are growing weary of RFK Jr. but are they willing to act? - MSNBC News - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Republicans strategize about upcoming redistricting special election at annual convention - Daily Breeze - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Its bad politics: Why California Republicans are avoiding Donald Trump and muscling in behind Arnold Schwarzenegger - Politico - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Are Republicans socialist now? Trump's Intel deal overreaches on government control. | Opinion - USA Today - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Republicans move to lift drilling and mining restrictions in Western states - AP News - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Why are Republicans putting profits over veterans? - The Edwardsville Intelligencer - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Is housing the issue Democrats and Republicans in Congress can agree on? - The Mercury News - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- House Republicans Push New Coal Bills, but Critics Say the Industrys Decline Cant Be Reversed - Inside Climate News - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Exclusive / Republicans to allow batches of confirmation votes - Semafor - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- House Republicans approve new panel to uncover all the facts of January 6 attack - The Guardian - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- House Republicans Vote to Raise Energy Costs and Weaken National Security in Extreme Energy and Water Funding Bill - House.gov - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- If Walz calls special session, here's what Republicans will prioritize - CBS News - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Republicans move to lift drilling and mining restrictions in Montana, other Western states - Montana Free Press - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- E&E News: Republicans praise bill blocking Snake River dam research - POLITICO Pro - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee: In case you missed it: Wisconsin Republicans are turning their backs on our veterans - WisPolitics - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- House Republicans form new subcommittee to probe Jan. 6 - The Washington Post - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Dont Assume All Republicans Are The Same in Race for Greenwich BET - CT Examiner - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- We asked Florida Republicans where they stand on ending vaccine mandates - Miami Herald - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- House Republicans Slash $766M in Energy and Water Funding - The Well News - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Senators, including Republicans, grill Kennedy over vaccine policies and CDC chaos - Anchorage Daily News - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Latest funding cuts spark pushback from Republicans: Will they confront Trump? - Syracuse.com - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Connecticuts top Republicans endorse Ryan Fazio in his campaign for governor - WTNH.com - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Top Trump political advisers huddle with House Republicans on rebranding of Big Beautiful Bill - Fox News - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- House Republicans break from Trump over NIH funding - Axios - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Only two more Republicans needed to force vote on Epstein files release, bill co-sponsor says live - The Guardian - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Senate Republicans avoid clash with Trump over Fed firing - Politico - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Full List of Republicans Signing Discharge Petition to Release Epstein Files - Newsweek - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Under legal fire, Fulton Co. commissioners to decide whether to seat Republicans on elections board - Atlanta News First - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Missouri Republicans are trying to split KC into 3 congressional districts - Axios - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Republicans prepare for quick confirmation of Miran to the Fed - Semafor - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Bad news awaits Republicans returning to DC - The Hill - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Republicans weaken transit funding as transportation bill nears passage in Salem - BikePortland - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Karl Rove Warns of One Big Ugly Problem for the Republicans - yahoo.com - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Voters pile the pressure on House Republicans at town halls as frustration grows with Congress - MSNBC News - September 1st, 2025 [September 1st, 2025]
- Republicans Keep Getting Booed at Their Own Town Halls - Mother Jones - September 1st, 2025 [September 1st, 2025]
- For Republicans who see IVF as akin to abortion, an obscure alternative has emerged - The 19th News - September 1st, 2025 [September 1st, 2025]
- I Will Survive Singer Gloria Gaynor Has Donated Thousands to Republicans Over the Years - them.us - September 1st, 2025 [September 1st, 2025]
- California Democrats and Republicans agree on one big thing: They support UC, poll shows - Los Angeles Times - September 1st, 2025 [September 1st, 2025]
- At Trump's urging, Missouri jumps into redistricting race to help Republicans - NPR - August 29th, 2025 [August 29th, 2025]
- Republicans' Chances of Dethroning Katie Hobbs as Arizona Governor: Polls - Newsweek - August 29th, 2025 [August 29th, 2025]
- Republicans hammer Spanberger over vow to repeal Youngkin immigration order - Virginia Mercury - August 29th, 2025 [August 29th, 2025]
- E&E News: House Republicans ready to fight over Alaska mining road - POLITICO Pro - August 29th, 2025 [August 29th, 2025]
- Missouri moves to redraw congressional map to favour Republicans as redistricting battle heats up - trtworld.com - August 29th, 2025 [August 29th, 2025]
- 2028 looks like trouble for Democrats and Republicans are poised to capitalize - Fox News - August 29th, 2025 [August 29th, 2025]
- This is one NE Ohio green project Republicans and Democrats both support - Cleveland.com - August 29th, 2025 [August 29th, 2025]
- As Republicans make gains in the Rio Grande Valley, Democrats are fighting among themselves - The Texas Tribune - August 29th, 2025 [August 29th, 2025]
- OPINION: Hey, where did all the limited-government Republicans go? - The Nevada Independent - August 29th, 2025 [August 29th, 2025]
- Republicans scratch their heads over Trumps comprehensive crime bill - Politico - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- Poll: Republicans view of key federal agencies has improved in the last year - The Washington Post - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- Republicans plan to split California is doomed. But it does reveal a new reality - San Francisco Chronicle - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- Republicans in Congress open probe into Wikipedia for alleged bias - USA Today - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- Republicans are trying to ensure well never have another fair election | Judith Levine - The Guardian - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- When local Republicans host fund-raising dinners, increasingly its not Lincoln or Reagan whom they honor, but Trump - The Boston Globe - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]