In a series of tweets, Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D) addressed many Republicans' unwillingness to send aid to Ukraine. Rep. Escobar claimed that the GOP's actions were "reckless" and contained underlying motives.
"Solutions are possible. But no good solutions come from the kind of reckless hostage-taking Republicans like Speaker Johnson are engaging in. Republicans are using their hardline positions to justify their refusal to help our Ukrainian allies."
Solutions are possible. But no good solutions come from the kind of reckless hostage-taking Republicans like Speaker Johnson are engaging in.
Republicans are using their hardline positions to justify their refusal to help our Ukrainian allies.— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) December 12, 2023
The Texas congresswoman stated that the GOP's denial of aid was based on a faulty rhetoric in which Democrats are portrayed as not caring about the U.S.-Mexico border. Republicans have complained over the past few years that there has not been enough action to address the influx of migrant workers crossing the border.
"It's all just a cynical ploy to blame Democrats who "don't want to fix the border" or that we "care more about Ukraine than our own border." We CAN walk and chew gum at the same time; we can invest in our national security by aiding Ukraine AND fix our immigration system."
It's all just a cynical ploy to blame Democrats who "don't want to fix the border" or that we "care more about Ukraine than our own border."
We CAN walk and chew gum at the same time; we can invest in our national security by aiding Ukraine AND fix our immigration system.— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) December 12, 2023
In May 2023, Rep. Escobar introduced the Dignity Act. The bill addresses immigration-related issues, such as increasing hiring for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel and providing removal deferral for eligible non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law).
"It is the first bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill produced in a decade, and while it is not perfect, it represents a starting point for policies that would address the situation at the border and neglected aspects of our immigration system in a meaningful way."
It is the first bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill produced in a decade, and while it is not perfect, it represents a starting point for policies that would address the situation at the border and neglected aspects of our immigration system in a meaningful way.
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) December 12, 2023
The Texas congresswoman concluded her statement saying, "What Republicans are demanding today – forcing the country down a road of zero immigration in exchange for helping our allies is un-American, unworkable, and would have catastrophic consequences for us at home and for our allies abroad."
What Republicans are demanding today – forcing the country down a road of zero immigration in exchange for helping our allies is un-American, unworkable, and would have catastrophic consequences for us at home and for our allies abroad.
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) December 12, 2023
Some GOP members have criticized their fellow Republican House members for their stance on Ukraine. Texas Representative Dan Crenshaw (R) recently fired at House GOP members who refused to support Ukraine in their fight against Russia.
In response to a statement made by Representative Chip Roy (R-TX), Rep. Crenshaw mocked the position he and some others have taken on sending aid to the country.
“Someone explain to me how you’re going to get the votes,” said Rep. Roy in response to the idea that the Senate would pass the aid bill.
“We have a bunch of ‘Never Ukrainers’.”
“It’s easy. You just ask them if they want border security more than they want Russia to win,” retorted Rep. Crenshaw.
