Shenango Valley News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Kelly from Pennsylvania has expressed his concerns regarding a proposed $118 billion supplemental aid package put forth by a group of Senators. The package aims to address various issues, including border security, Ukraine, and Israel funding. Rep. Kelly believes that the legislation is more focused on providing foreign aid rather than securing the borders of the United States.

In a statement, Rep. Kelly emphasized that the Senate's proposal allocates half of the funding, $60 billion, for Ukraine, which he believes is disproportionate to the intended purpose of the package. He expressed his disappointment, saying, "On day one in office, President Biden reversed Trump-era policies that left our borders wide open. Now, under this legislation, as many as 1.8 million illegal immigrants could enter the United States each year before the border would shut down. That's completely unacceptable."

Rep. Kelly further criticized the bill, stating that it does not do enough to secure the nation's borders, curb illegal immigration, or address illegal human and drug trafficking. He compared the Senate's proposal to the "Secure The Border Act (H.R.2)" passed by House Republicans in May, which he believes is a more comprehensive piece of border security legislation without the loopholes and work-arounds included in the new Senate bill. Rep. Kelly urged the Senate to vote on the Secure The Border Act, which is currently awaiting action on Chuck Schumer's desk. He also emphasized the importance of enforcing existing laws to secure the borders.

In addition to his concerns about the immigration aspect of the package, Rep. Kelly highlighted the commitment of Speaker Mike Johnson to present a standalone supplemental aid package of $17.6 billion to support Israel on the House floor the following week.

The proposed supplemental aid package, which covers border security, Ukraine, and Israel funding, has drawn criticism from Rep. Mike Kelly. He believes that the bill prioritizes foreign aid over securing the borders of the United States. Rep. Kelly's statement reflects his disappointment with the allocation of funding and the potential impact on illegal immigration. He urges the Senate to consider the Secure The Border Act passed by House Republicans and calls for the enforcement of existing laws to secure the borders. Additionally, Rep. Kelly acknowledges the forthcoming standalone aid package to support Israel.