Part of President Joe Biden's preparation for delivering the annual State of the Union address on Thursday included installing a security fence around the U.S. Capitol.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) was quick to point out the apparent irony in Biden's attempt to secure his speech while the crisis at the southern border continues.
House and Senate Republicans have been fighting the Biden administration for two years to build a wall and increase funding to protect the southern border from illegal crossings. Meanwhile, a 12-foot fence is currently being built outside the U.S. Capitol.
"President Biden refuses to protect the American people by closing the southern border, but he insists on building a wall around the Capitol for his State of the Union speech," Strong said in a statement to 1819 News.
Strong further criticized the Biden administration in a video where he stood next to the security fencing.
"President Biden will not close the southern border," Strong posted to X. "He doesn't believe in fences, but look what he is putting up for tomorrow night's State of the Union." He added, "A 12-foot fence to protect him while he does the State of the Union—America deserves better."
Strong said he was concerned Biden would use the SOTU speech to try and blame "everyone but himself" for the border and other issues.
"Numbers speak louder than words," Strong told 1819 News. "...I want the President to acknowledge the challenges our country is facing and admit he is willing to solve them. For example, He refuses to use executive action to secure the border because he's worried about litigation, but the courts have repeatedly struck down his student loan forgiveness, and that never seemed to worry him."
"The border is a top concern of the American people. He needs to show willingness to change his policies that are causing these problems," the congressman concluded.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) will deliver the Republican response to Biden's address on Thursday.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email Bradley.cox@1819news.com or on Twitter @BradleyCoxAL
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
