Washington, D.C. — Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Republican Leader of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement after President Trump introduced his plan to secure the southern border.

“Today I joined President Trump at the White House as he announced his commonsense proposal to secure our borders and protect the American people. Only seven months into fiscal year 2019, Customs and Border Protection has apprehended or turned away more than 500,000 people without legal status on the southern border. At these record-breaking numbers, there is no question that the humanitarian and security crisis on the border is a true emergency.

“Between reforming our immigration system and bolstering physical border security, President Trump has presented a clear path forward; however, he cannot solve this crisis alone. Congress must stand ready to put partisan politics aside and pass meaningful solutions. I am committed to working alongside the President and fellow Members of Congress to provide vital humanitarian assistance and ensure that those on the ground have the resources they need to respond to the overwhelming surge of border crossings.

“The situation on our border is a crisis that requires Congressional action. We are far past the time for petty politics, and I urge all Members of Congress to compromise on solutions that will deliver results that the Americans in North Texas and around the country rightfully expect of us.”