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U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and his Republican colleagues forced a vote on the Border Safety and Security Act, a bill designed to shut down the border until the Department of Homeland Security regains operational control. The bill was blocked by Democrats.

In a floor speech, Senator Tuberville criticized Sen. Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) bipartisan border deal, calling it a "messaging exercise" that would cost taxpayers $20 billion without securing the border. Tuberville emphasized that his bill offers real solutions to the border crisis.

Tuberville highlighted an incident where two Jordanian nationals, apprehended at the southern border and released into the U.S., attempted to break into a Marine base in Quantico, Virginia. One individual is allegedly on the terrorist watch list.

"These people are not being screened or vetted," Tuberville stated. He noted significant numbers of immigrants from various countries entering under President Biden's policies and argued that illegal immigration poses safety concerns and financial burdens on American taxpayers.

A report from the House Committee on Homeland Security estimated that the southern border surge costs American taxpayers about $450 billion annually. Tuberville asserted that this financial strain is unsustainable.

Tuberville accused Democrats of prioritizing political power over national security, citing comments from a New York congresswoman who welcomed illegal immigration for redistricting purposes.

"My bill would shut down our borders until the Department of Homeland Security regains operational control," Tuberville said, stressing that closing the border is necessary for national security.

Senator Tuberville has been active in proposing legislation aimed at strengthening border security, including building a wall and reinstating Migrant Protection Protocols. He has called for holding DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas accountable and supported various bills targeting illegal immigration-related issues.

Tuberville remains critical of President Biden's handling of immigration policy, urging more serious measures to secure the southern border.