Dear friends, 

I'm writing to provide you with an update on securing the southern border, which I know is an issue important to you.

Since President Joe Biden took office, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported apprehending over 7 million illegal migrants crossing over the southern border. CBP also reports tens of thousands of pounds of illicit fentanyl (23,000 pounds in just the last year) coming across our borders. 

I have visited and inspected our nation’s southern border four times. My recent visit to the southern border in January confirmed to me that this crisis is getting much worse.

Since day one, President Biden worked to overturn border security measures - like the Remain in Mexico policy - and effectively reinstated 'catch and release'. The President has the authority right now to enforce the laws on the books to secure the southern border. 

I'm committed to continue working in Congress to advance no-nonsense border security measures that stem the flow of illegal migrants and illicit drugs from crossing the southern border. 

Secure the Border Act

Last year, I helped the U.S. House pass the Secure the Border Act, one of the strongest border security bills advanced in decades. Among its numerous provisions, this bill would: 

  • deploy new technology to the southern and northern borders,

  • increase the number of Border Patrol agents,

  • require transparency regarding illegal crossings from the Dept. of Homeland Security, 

  • resume physical barrier construction along the southern border, and

  • strengthen current laws to protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking.

HALT Fentanyl Act

To crack down on the trafficking of fentanyl-related substances, I'm co-leading the HALT Fentanyl Act with Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) to make fentanyl-related substances a permanent Schedule I narcotic. This would ensure more tools are granted to authorities to get deadly fentanyl analogs off the streets. 

I'm also proud that this bill will not impede critical research into the use of fentanyl-related substances and that it will not restrict access to fentanyl for those who rely on it for medicinal purposes. 

It's clear we have a lot of work to do to secure our southern border. I remain committed to pursuing policies that secure our borders and keep our communities safe. 

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It's an honor to serve you in Congress. For timely updates on my work on behalf of Ohio's Fifth District, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. As always, if you have any comments, questions, or ideas for me and my team, please do not hesitate to call, write, or click here to send a direct message.

Sincerely,

Bob Latta

Member of Congress