"Debate Heats Up as Officials Clash Over Johnson's Border Funding and Immigration Stance"

Former Department of Homeland Security officials are supporting Speaker Mike Johnson's firm stance on border security in the context of congressional spending negotiations. They advocate for the inclusion of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, in any spending deal, citing the act as a solution to the border crisis. Johnson, along with other Republicans, visited the southern border and emphasized the necessity of H.R. 2, which proposes stricter asylum limits and the continuation of wall construction. The Biden administration has requested border funding but faces GOP opposition demanding tighter immigration controls. Democrats in the Senate have rejected H.R. 2, while the White House accuses Republicans of blocking efforts to address border issues. Negotiations continue, with the GOP pushing for a unified stance behind H.R. 2.