Gaetz introduces bill to give states right to defend southern border

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., introduced a bill Tuesday that would guarantee states have the right to defend the southern border as governors around the nation rally around Texas in its standoff with the Biden administration over the matter.  

Gaetz's "State Border Security Act" is a companion bill to legislation introduced last month by Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio. Both bills would authorize border states to erect temporary fencing within 25 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border and it would prohibit federal agents from removing the barriers.

The proposals come after the Supreme Court ruled last month that federal officials could remove razor wire that Texas had placed along the southern border. 

"My legislation, along with Sen. Vance’s, will codify that states along the Southern Border have the right to protect their territory," Rep. Gaetz said. "Since the Biden administration refuses to take action, Congress must empower states to defend themselves against the unprecedented invasion at the Southern Border."

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