President Biden appealed to former president Donald Trump on Thursday to support a bipartisan border security bill while they held dueling and separate visits to the U.S.-Mexico border.
“I understand my predecessor is in Eagle Pass today,” Biden said during remarks in Brownsville, Texas. “So, here's what I would say to Mr. Trump: Instead of playing politics with the issue, instead of telling members of Congress to block this legislation, join me, or I'll join you in telling the Congress to pass this bipartisan border security bill. We can do it together.
“You know and I know it's the toughest, most efficient, most effective border security bill this country has ever seen. So, instead of playing politics with the issue, why don't we just get together and get it done?”
Senate Republicans in early February blocked a bipartisan border security deal, which would have significantly cracked down on illegal immigration and asylum claims, following opposition from Trump and top House Republicans. Trump had reportedly lobbied Republicans to reject the bill in order to continue campaigning on the border, which is a low-polling issue for Biden, in a likely general election matchup with the president.
“Let's remember who the heck we work for: We work for the American people, not the Democratic Party, the Republican Party,” Biden said.
