Congressman Gonzalez Releases Statement Following Conclusion of Presidential Border Visit to El Paso 

El Paso, Texas – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released the following statement after accompanying President Joe Biden and fellow Texas Border Representatives Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Henry Cuellar (TX-28) during a visit to the Southern Border:

"I want to thank President Biden, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Representatives Escobar and Cuellar, and the local officials who were present during this historic visit," stated Congressman Gonzalez. "We were all able to meet and speak with border officials and local organizations who are on the front lines of the unprecedented influx of migrants.

"Both Republicans and Democrats have used the border as a political backdrop without putting forth any real solutions to address the shortcomings of an antiquated system that has not been changed in decades.

"I commend the Biden Administration for the recently announced changes and for taking the appropriate steps to do what they can while some in Congress continue to sit on their hands. My colleagues must put aside the petty politics and act.

"I have introduced my own legislation, the "Safe Zones Act," that will allow asylum seekers to apply for asylum closer to their country of origin in a humane and safe manner that will take the pressure off our Southern Border. I will continue to advocate for South Texas and resources to ensure that migrants are treated in a humane way and expel those who break our laws and look to harm our communities."

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