Senator Josh Hawley has interrogated Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on “what exactly is” Kamala Harris’ role as border czar after he admitted he doesn’t devise or consult key policies with the vice president.
Alejandro Mayorkas faced the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday to discuss failings at US-Mexico border.
In March it was reported Joe Biden had named Kamala Harris the border czar which meant she would lead the response to the border challenges.
“So she’s very involved in the departments policies and in what’s happening at the border – you’ve travelled to the border together?” asked Senator Josh Hawley.
“Senator allow me to repeat my testimony that the vice president’s focus is on addressing the root causes,” Senator Mayorkas responded.
“I heard your testimony, I am asking you a question – my question is do you travel to the border together? Are you devising policies together?"
“I have travelled to the border once with her to El Paso in Texas so she could see first hand the challenges that we face.”
The Missouri Republican then questioned Senator Mayorkas on whether the VP was involved in decision making on key issues like ending the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, ending the Public Charge Rule and changing the ICE guidance.
“I have not consulted with the vice president directly about those policies,” Senator Mayorkas said.
“So what is she doing exactly?” asked Mr Hawley.
“You said she’s not the border czar - that it’s not [her] role - we were wrong about that, that she’s not doing anything like that, she’s doing something very different is what your testimony is.
"You’re not actually consulting with her on any policies, so what is it that she’s doing exactly?”
The border crisis has worsened under the Biden administration as there has been a record 1.7 million illegal immigrants crossing the border.
It’s expected by the end of the year that number will reach over 2 million.
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