House Speaker Mike Johnson has provided fodder for those claiming that President Joe Biden is not actively making decisions for the country. During an interview on Fox Business, the Louisiana Republican expressed doubts about Biden’s involvement in key decisions, particularly regarding immigration policies.
Johnson suggested that Biden’s staff might be influencing and obstructing him from taking executive action to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite Johnson’s persistent efforts to convince the president to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy established by former President Donald Trump and resume border wall construction, Biden has maintained that he lacks the authority to do so, citing the need for Congress to act first.
“I’m not sure Joe Biden is actually making these decisions,” Johnson remarked, implying that the president’s staff could be the driving force behind the decisions, potentially pushing to keep the border open.
Despite Johnson presenting evidence of Biden’s authority to act, including reading the law to the president himself, Biden has consistently maintained his stance that congressional action is required.
“They’ve been trying to work this deal. We’ve heard rumor about it, reports about it. But even as we sit here this morning, Maria, I’ve never seen the text,” Johnson said, casting doubt on a reported border deal negotiated in the Senate, which may contain additional aid to Ukraine.
Johnson indicated skepticism about the reported deal, stating that if it aligns with the rumors, it would be “dead on arrival” in the House, which is under Republican control. He emphasized that the necessary elements of H.R. 2, aimed at border control, would be the standard by which they evaluate any potential deal.
While Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has yet to allow a vote on H.R. 2 in the Senate, he announced that the text of the newly negotiated deal would be available over the weekend. Johnson expressed a cautious approach, stating that they would examine the details before making any judgments.
Thomas Cooper