Five vulnerable Democrats who previously voted against measures to strengthen border security have shifted their stance as they face re-election. Reps. Jared Golden of Maine, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, Mary Peltola of Alaska, Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, and Don Davis of North Carolina issued a joint statement supporting action to bring order to the southern border following the signing of a $95 billion aid package by President Biden. The lawmakers emphasized the need to secure the border and ramp up Border Patrol efforts. While previously voting against the Secure the Border Act of 2023, the Democrats have now shown support for measures addressing the border crisis.
The five Democrats have faced criticism for their past dismissive comments about the border crisis, with Gluesenkamp Perez receiving backlash for a statement that people are not worried about the southern border crisis. Despite this, she has now criticized Biden’s handling of the situation and emphasized the need to restore control at the southern border. Gonzalez, another Democrat who previously downplayed concerns about border security, has acknowledged positive impacts of recent policies but faced criticism for voting against legislation aimed at enhancing border security. Peltola and Davis have also shifted their stance on border security, voting in favor of bipartisan bills addressing the crisis.
Gonzalez, one of the Democrats who previously made dismissive remarks about border security, has faced criticism for voting against key legislation aimed at enhancing border security measures, such as the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act and the Schools Not Shelters Act. Despite previously downplaying concerns about the border crisis, Gonzalez has acknowledged improvements along the border but continues to face scrutiny for his voting record on border security legislation. The increasing number of arrests along the Mexico border has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current border security measures.
Peltola, who joined 218 Republicans in voting in favor of the Schools Not Shelters Act, has emphasized the importance of addressing the border crisis without harming American agriculture. While initially expressing concerns about certain provisions, Peltola ultimately supported the Bipartisan End the Border Catastrophe Act. Davis, who did not vote on the Schools Not Shelters Act, has reiterated his dedication to addressing the border crisis while emphasizing the need to protect American agriculture. Both lawmakers have shown support for bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the border crisis and enhancing border security measures.
In response to criticism and scrutiny over their past remarks and voting record on border security legislation, the vulnerable Democrats have shifted their stance and emphasized the urgency of addressing the border crisis. Despite facing tough re-election battles, the lawmakers have expressed support for bipartisan bills addressing the border crisis and securing the southern border. With increasing concerns about the effectiveness of current border security measures and the rising number of encounters along the Mexico border, the Democrats’ shift in stance reflects a renewed focus on addressing border security concerns and restoring control at the southern border.
