Ranking Member Cuellar Statement at Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency Hearing

Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee’s hearing on the fiscal year 2024 budget request for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency:

**As Prepared for Delivery**

Thank you, Chairman Joyce. I’d like to join you in welcoming our witness, Acting Commissioner Troy Miller.

Commissioner Miller – You are the head of one of the most dynamic agencies in federal government, and each day, you and your workforce are called upon to address new and increasingly complex issues. Having started your federal career in 1993 with the U.S. Customs Service as a Customs Inspector to now heading the agency, you bring years of experience, trust, and integrity to this role, and, I would add, despite the pressures you face every day, you demonstrate exceptional professionalism and leadership in your role. I note that you have taken this position as a career official, you are not serving in a political capacity. Thank you for your service and for being here with us today. I look forward to a productive discussion with you this morning.

It’s no secret that Homeland Security is a priority of mine. I don’t just visit the border; I live there with my family. It’s my home. So, I understand firsthand how important the border is – the security of it and our reliance on it for trade and tourism. In fact, the Port of Laredo recently regained its position as the number one international trade port for the U.S., underscoring the important role land ports play in the economic vitality and security of our nation. That’s why I’m focused on real solutions, not political talking points. For example, since the term “operational control” was defined in the Secure Fence Act of 2006 , no Administration has achieved it. Not President Bush. Not President Obama. Not President Trump. And yes, not President Biden either. I’m not interested in developing talking points that undermine and discredit the important work the dedicated CBP men and women do every day to secure our border. What’s important is what we are doing to build towards that notional goal, and that’s what I have been and will continue to be focused on.

To that end, over the last two fiscal years we added over $2.4 billion to CBP’s budget authority – an over 15% increase.

We’ve leveraged that funding to invest in:

• more Border Patrol agents, CBP officers, intel specialists, trade enforcement staff, and other personnel;
• additional technology at ports of entry;
• additional border security technology between ports of entry;
• migrant processing efficiency efforts and capacity increases, including grants for migrant shelters and funding for the construction of two joint processing centers;
• trade enforcement efforts, such as combatting forced labor; and
• initiatives to support the CBP workforce – such as suicide prevention and wellness efforts, uniform allowances, and tuition assistance.

Today we have more funding and resources dedicated to securing our borders and facilitating lawful trade and travel through our ports of entry than we’ve ever had, yet more work remains.

Commissioner Miller – you and I have discussed the several issues that CBP has been called upon to address. From managing an increasingly complex humanitarian challenge at our border; to countering the flow of illicit drugs through our ports of entry; to combatting forced labor – CBP has never been asked to do more. As appropriators, we must ensure that you have what you need to accomplish these missions. I look forward to hearing more today about what those needs are, and I will admit, I am concerned that the Administration’s FY24 budget request does not include enough for CBP.

For example, the proposal includes funding reductions to base operations throughout the request, such as:

• the operations and sustainment of the border technology CBP currently has deployed – like the aerostats and the surveillance towers - and for the new technology funded in FY23;
• pay funding for CBP Officers and for several FY23 personnel initiatives; and
• several enforcement efforts like combatting forced labor; countering threats posed by unmanned aerials systems; and cross-border tunnel operations.

By my math, these funding gaps add up to over $400 million.

Additionally, the request only includes $83.5 million for migrant shelter grants – a dramatic drop from the $800 million funding in FY23. I want to work with you and my colleagues in the majority to ensure that CBP’s budget is adequately funded – starting with sustaining prior year investments and continuing investing in smart, forward-thinking strategies to meet the challenges we face today. These are very difficult topics, but I know we can make progress if we are serious about working together.

Lastly, I want to express my appreciation to the over 63,000 CBP men and women for their dedication and sacrifice to fulfill the agency’s missions. I’m humbled and honored by your service.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back.