Jamiesfeast – Rep. Pat Proctor, R-Leavenworth, has successfully advocated for a nonbinding resolution urging Gov. Laura Kelly to contemplate the deployment of Kansas National Guard troops and Kansas law enforcement officers to the U.S.-Mexico border. The purpose of this action is to demonstrate solidarity with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in his ongoing battle with the Biden administration to enhance border security.
The Kansas House engaged in a lengthy debate on illegal immigration, delving into various topics such as fentanyl poisoning, Marxist journalists, Texas’ governor, state sovereignty, razor wire, federal judicial power, the United Nations, the role of law enforcement, the Kansas National Guard, the presidential race, and human trafficking.
After the heated debate, a majority agreed on House Resolution 6035, which described the surge of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border as an “invasion.” The resolution also urged Gov. Laura Kelly to stand in unity with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who defied directives from the Biden administration and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
According to Rep. Pat Proctor, a Republican from Leavenworth, the resolution, supported by over 60 House members, highlights the federal government’s failure to uphold its constitutional duty to protect the southern border states.
According to Proctor, it is important to acknowledge that Texas and the southern border states are currently experiencing an invasion. This invasion is not limited to individuals from Mexico seeking better opportunities, but also includes people from various countries worldwide, including military-age males from China and the Middle East.
According to him, the invasion involved the use of chemicals sourced from China, which he described as a form of “chemical warfare.” These chemicals are used in the production of fentanyl, a highly potent drug that is causing a significant number of deaths in American cities, claiming approximately 100,000 lives each year.
Rep. John Carmichael, a Democrat from Wichita, expressed his dissatisfaction with House Resolution 6035, which showed support for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s actions at the border. According to Carmichael, the resolution was a waste of the Kansas Legislature’s valuable time. Despite his objections, the resolution passed through a voice vote.
‘Waste our time’
The resolution called on Kelly to provide Abbott with assistance from Kansas, which includes sending Kansas National Guard troops and law enforcement agents to Texas. Additionally, it aimed to establish a formal agreement between Kansas and Texas to stand together against any future lawlessness by illegal immigrants and the negative actions or lack of action by the federal government.
According to Rep. John Carmichael, D-Wichita, the resolution appears to be unnecessary given that the U.S. Senate is currently working on a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing border security. This legislation, which has received the endorsement of President Joe Biden and faced opposition from former President Donald Trump, grants the executive branch the authority to close the border if there is an excessive influx of migrants. Additionally, it allows for the hiring of more border agents and seeks to reform the asylum claims process.
According to Carmichael, there is no need to pass this resolution as it is the duty of the United States Congress and the president to safeguard our borders. He believes that spending time on another meaningless resolution only serves to express a member’s anger towards something that is not within the jurisdiction of the Kansas Legislature.
During the incident, Rep. Stephen Owens, a Republican from Hesston, accused Carmichael of questioning the motives of Proctor or any other sponsors involved in the proposed measure.
Democratic Representative Ford Carr of Wichita has proposed a motion to refer the resolution to a House committee for thorough evaluation, public hearings, and potential amendments.
“I am against this motion,” stated Proctor, the primary sponsor. “Having a committee of 125 people won’t result in any more meaningful discussions than a committee of a dozen. It’s simply a way to delay the process.”
The resolution was not shelved as most House members voted against sending it to the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.
During a discussion about a resolution urging Governor Laura Kelly to deploy Kansas National Guard troops to Texas, House Minority Leader Vic Miller of Topeka revealed that Wichita GOP Representative Patrick Penn made audible comments from his seat in the House.
What is a prop?
House Minority Leader Vic Miller of Topeka emphasized the importance of recognizing the urgency displayed by Proctor and other supporters of the resolution. Miller pointed out that despite the swift introduction of the resolution, amendments proposed by Democrats were disregarded due to the lack of consideration by a House committee. During a question-and-answer session with Proctor, Miller shifted his focus to address Wichita GOP Rep. Patrick Penn, who Miller claimed was providing commentary from his seat on the House floor.
“Sir, feel free to approach me in person if you wish to have a conversation,” Miller stated firmly. “There is no need for you to remain seated at your desk, shouting and gesturing towards me.”
During the discussion, members of the House Rules Committee deliberated on whether Miller had breached tradition, rules, or protocol by holding a piece of paper—a copy of the immigration resolution—as a visual aid while addressing the full House. Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, argued that Miller’s action was improper since it was considered a prop when held in his hand, according to custom.
“The item itself, like a bill, doesn’t always serve as a prop, but it can be used as one,” she explained. “Is a bill considered a prop? Not always. The distinction lies in its usage.”
During the interaction, Miller raised a question to Humphries regarding the button she had on her jacket, which expressed support for the GOP’s flat-tax bill. He inquired whether this button could be considered a prop according to her understanding of the House rules. However, Humphries did not provide a clear response to his query.
Humphries pondered over the question of whether he had used it as a prop, contemplating its usage and whether he had drawn attention to it. He wondered about his actions and whether he had held it up during the performance.
Miller expressed his deep affection for this place.
‘Sword by sword’
Fort Scott Republican Representative Trevor Jacobs emphasized the importance of states exercising their right to self-defense against invaders. He expressed gratitude towards the Kansas House Republican leadership for acknowledging the threat posed by open borders, months after he initially raised the issue. According to Jacobs, this constitutional right extends to the consequences of a large number of undocumented individuals entering the United States.
According to Jacobs, there is evidence suggesting the involvement of the UN in bringing individuals to the United States. He believes that the world is uniting against the United States and that once they receive the green light, the consequences will be catastrophic.
Rep. Eric Smith, a Republican from Burlington, expressed his support for the resolution as well. He emphasized the urgency of putting an end to the trafficking of fentanyl from Mexico into the United States. According to him, this dangerous drug has the potential to become the deadliest substance faced by our domestic law enforcement agencies.
“We have a security issue right here in the state that can be fought at that border,” he emphasized. “We’re talking about things that are ending up right on our streets and even at our kids’ parties. It’s crucial that we address the source of this problem.”
‘Political games’
Democratic Representative Angela Martinez, a proud third-generation Mexican-American hailing from Wichita, passionately shared her personal connection to the American dream. She highlighted how her immigrant grandfather had lived through the American dream during World War II.
“I must admit, I am deeply disheartened by the political maneuverings that compromise the well-being of individuals,” she expressed. “While I acknowledge the importance of safeguarding our borders, we must also prioritize the implementation of a proficient immigration system. Regrettably, such efforts seem to be lacking within the confines of the Statehouse.”
“I am a first-generation immigrant,” stated Rep. Rui Xu, a Democrat from Mission Hills. He expressed his disagreement with the claim that a resolution would effectively address the increase in fentanyl poisonings. According to him, it is disingenuous to attribute the majority of the drug’s entry into the United States to non-citizens, as American citizens also play a significant role in its distribution.
Xu dismissed the resolution, stating that it had no connection to fentanyl and would be ineffective. He emphasized that legal immigration had minimal impact on the fentanyl issue.