Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Granbury had a special visitor Jan. 23 when United States Congressman Roger Williams came to brief some Hood County Officials on border security.
Williams met with Hood County Judge Ron Massingill, Hood County Sherrif Roger Deeds and Hood County Commissioner Precinct 3 Jack Wilson.
According to Williams, “the border is the number one issue in America, and not just at the border. There are problems all over the state with this issue. Eventually they’re going to work their way into Hood County.”
On Jan. 23, he announced a new bill named the State of Texas Operational Protections Act, also known as the STOP Act. The bill, if passed, will give Texas the right to implement operational protections along the border and authorize the state to construct a physical border wall in areas where the border is not protected. The proposed bill would also allow reimbursement from the federal government.
“Certain sections of the southern border within the state of Texas lack sufficient protection, posing a significant threat to the safety and security of the state’s residents,” part of the bill reads. “Since 2021, there have been over 6.7 million illegal crossings at the southern border, which have impacted Texans throughout the state. The governor of Texas must have the capability to act and defend the state from the ongoing invasion at the southern border.”
Williams noted the biggest issue at the border is the amount of people coming. He added the immigrants are not only from Mexico but from Russia, China and many other places as well.
“It’s not that we’re against people trying to pursue the American dream, but what we want is for them to do it legally. They need to go through the ports and not between them,” Williams said during the briefing. “The first decision they make to come to America should not be to break the law, it should be to adhere to the law. That’s all were asking.”
Williams shared his thoughts about the Biden administration, noting the border issue is something the administration has ignored.
“This is a bill that will get a lot of support, but it won’t get support from President (Joseph) Biden,” Williams said during the briefing. “It’s a good bill and we’re all for protecting our country. It really should be a bipartisan thing. There should be no agreement made.”
To stay updated on Williams’ actions, learn more about him, or contact him, visit his website at williams.house.gov.
