Mar 9, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Scoop: McCarthy leading GOP delegation to southern border

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is seen walking down a hall. — Kevin McCarthy. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy will travel to Texas on Monday with roughly a dozen Republican members to assess the growing crisis at the southern border, his office confirmed to Axios.

Why it matters: The visit comes as President Biden is under increased pressure to address the overwhelming flow of unaccompanied migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border. Recent data shows an average of 321 kids being referred to migrant shelters each day, as Axios first reported.

What we're hearing: McCarthy sent a letter to the president last Friday requesting a meeting with him to discuss the situation. A source familiar with the letter told Axios that McCarthy has yet to receive a response.

"I feel compelled to express great concern with the manner in which your administration is approaching this crisis, but with hope that we can work together to solve it," McCarthy had written in the letter.
Among those who will join him on the trip are Reps. John Katko of New York and Tony Gonzales of Texas.

The backdrop: Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas led a visit to the border for Biden officials — including domestic policy adviser Susan Rice — on Saturday.

The group went to a Border Patrol facility and a refugee resettlement facility, the White House said in a statement on Sunday, according to Reuters.
Republicans from the Texas congressional delegation also plan to visit McAllen, Laredo and Eagle Pass, Texas, between March 29 and 31, a source familiar with the plans tells Axios.

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Scoop: McCarthy leading GOP delegation to southern border

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