In a recent statement, the White House accused Republicans of worsening the situation at the southern border, as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) prepares to lead a delegation to the border to assess the influx of migrants. The White House spokesperson, Andrew Bates, argued that Republicans have an "anti-border security record" due to their opposition to President Biden's proposals and refusal to support border security funding.

Bates highlighted the GOP's lack of support for Biden's supplemental funding package, which included financing for new border agents and was tied to additional aid for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, Republicans did not back the President's plan to modernize the immigration system, announced earlier this year.

"House Republicans have obstructed his reform proposal and consistently voted against his unprecedented border security funding year after year, hamstringing our border security in the name of extreme, partisan demands," Bates stated. "Actions speak louder than words. House Republicans' anti-border security record is defined by attempting to cut Customs and Border Protection personnel, opposing President Biden's record-breaking border security funding, and refusing to take up the President's supplemental funding request."

In response, Speaker Johnson criticized President Biden, claiming he has been neglecting his duty to secure the border and that his policies have worsened the situation. Johnson pointed to the decision to rescind the Remain in Mexico policy and the widespread abuse of the parole and asylum systems, stating that there was a clear connection between these policies and the record-breaking number of 300,000 illegal immigrants encountered at the Southern border last month.

The ongoing debate in Washington regarding the handling of the border crisis coincides with the increasing flow of migrants at the border. Speaker Johnson and several House Republicans are planning to visit the border to raise awareness about their concerns over the situation.

This issue poses a significant political challenge for President Biden, as Republicans have consistently criticized his approach to immigration and aim to make it a key campaign issue for the 2024 election. Last month, discussions between the White House and senators were initiated regarding the border, and these talks have resumed as key senators meet once again to address the matter.