DHS Secretary Noem on Border Barriers and National Security

Border Security Infrastructure

• 🎯 Representative Michael Guest questioned DHS Secretary Kristi Noem about the effectiveness of border barriers in enhancing national security.
• 💡 Secretary Noem emphasized that border walls can vary in design based on topography and geography, including steel, buoys, and temporary fencing.
• 📈 She highlighted that since President Trump's administration, 77.8 miles of new border infrastructure have been installed, with more contracts pending.
• ⚡ The border wall's primary function is to slow down illegal traffic, providing CBP officers more time to address security concerns.

CBP Performance and Statistics

• 📊 Guest acknowledged the incredible success of CBP, citing statistics that show a decrease in encounters across the southwest border compared to previous years.
• ✅ He commended the men and women serving in CBP for their continued service and dedication.

Disaster Assistance in Mississippi

• ⚠️ Guest also raised an urgent issue regarding tornado damage in Mississippi, requesting expedited disaster assistance.
• 🤝 He asked Secretary Noem to personally follow up to expedite the pending review process for disaster relief, impacting debris cleanup and recovery efforts.
• 💬 Secretary Noem committed to following up on the disaster assistance request, noting that the decision might be with the White House.