Katie Britt slams Biden on border in SOTU response
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Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) gave a rebuke of President Biden's border and immigration policies in her Republican State of the Union response from her home.
Why it matters: The speech from the freshman senator is a stark example of how Republicans continue to make immigration and border security their top election year issue.
- Britt also took aim at Biden's economic record, hitting the president on inflation after he trumpeted wins on the economy in his speech.
- The Alabama senator criticized Biden's foreign policy even as he led his State of the Union with pushing Republicans to pass aid to Ukraine.
The big picture: Biden took several opportunities to draw direct differences between he and former President Trump. Britt did the same thing.
- "President Biden inherited the most secure border of all-time," Britt said, arguing his reversal of Trump policies were the cause of the "crisis" at the border.
- "America deserves leaders who recognize that secure borders, stable prices, safe streets, and a strong defense are the cornerstones of a great nation," Britt said.
The fine print: Britt delivered the speech from her home kitchen in Alabama, saying Americans have tough conversations around their kitchen tables.
- Britt used the speech from her home as a way to paint Biden as an out of touch career politician.
- "This crisis is despicable. And the truth is, it is almost entirely preventable," she said in reference to Biden's handling of the border.
- "From fentanyl poisonings to horrific murders, there are empty chairs tonight at kitchen tables just like this one," Britt said.
- "The American family needs to have a tough conversation," Britt added. "The truth is, we're all worried about the future of our nation."
Driving the news: Britt tried to limit the damage done to Republicans after an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that stopped IVF treatments in the state.
- Britt said Republicans support "nationwide" protections for IVF.
- But Republicans in the Senate last week blocked a bill that would codify IVF protections federally.
The bottom line: Beyond policy, Britt turned to one of Republicans' favorite targets against the president: His age and ability to carry out his job.
- "The free world deserves better than a dithering and diminished leader," Britt said.
Go deeper: In photos: Key moments from Biden's State of the Union address
