(The Center Square) – Just hours after creation of the Democrats for Border Security Task Force, an immigration-related resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives included one North Carolinian voting yes and perhaps notably didn’t include another.
Ditto for the new task force’s co-chairmanship.
Rep. Don Davis was the only one of seven Democrats representing the state to vote for House Resolution 1065. The measure, arguably without meaningful action included beyond taking a position, passed 226-193 with 14 Democrats for it and no Republicans against it.
Rep Wiley Nickel, D-N.C., earlier in the day Tuesday was among the 26 House Democrats making up the task force co-chaired by Reps. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, and Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y. Cuellar voted for the resolution, Suozzi against it. The task force was against the resolution 18-8.
The resolution denounces President Joe Biden and his administration’s immigration policies – and lack thereof. It “affirms” that he has the authority to end catch-and-release policy; reinstate migrant protection protocols; enter into asylum cooperative agreements; end abuses of parole authority; detain “inadmissible aliens”; use expedited removal authority; and rein in taxpayer-funded benefits for those illegally living in or entering the country. It says the administration is refusing to use those authorities and urges them to do so.
The task force initially denounced the lack of debate on proposed Senate legislation to address the overflow of migrants into America. The group is calling for bipartisan cooperation to address immigration, including needed reform and control of the southern border.
While Nickel is among five of the 14 representing North Carolina in the U.S. House who opted not to seek reelection, Davis did and represents the eastern and northeastern part of the state that has typically favored a Democrat. Redistricting, as observed by those who match map boundaries and voters within them, say the 1st Congressional District is the most competitive. Forecasters call it a tossup and are anxiously watching as Davis runs against Republican retired Army combat colonel Laurie Buckhout this fall.
