Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a rumored contender for Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate, has a nuanced record on border policy. Despite supporting the Biden administration's overall approach, he has also expressed concerns and pushed for specific actions to address the crisis.
As the speculation swirls around Vice President Kamala Harris's potential choice for a running mate, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly emerges as a contender with a unique perspective on border policy. While Harris has faced criticism for her handling of the border crisis, Kelly's stance on the issue is more moderate, balancing support for the Biden administration with a willingness to challenge its policies.
VP Harris's Potential Running Mate Mark Kelly and His Border Policy Positions
Kelly's background as a senator from a border state has given him firsthand experience with the challenges and complexities of border management. Despite generally supporting the Biden administration's approach, he has not shied away from expressing concerns and proposing specific solutions to address the ongoing crisis.
One of the most striking examples of Kelly's nuanced stance came in 2021, when he became the only Democratic senator to fault President Biden for not addressing the border crisis in his first address to a joint session of Congress. In a letter to Biden the same year, Kelly urged him to continue construction of the border wall in areas where it made practical sense.
VP Harris's Potential Running Mate Mark Kelly and His Border Policy Positions
Kelly has also been critical of the administration's plans to end Title 42 expulsions, citing the need for a comprehensive plan to avoid a potential surge in border crossings. However, he has voiced support for the executive order limiting entries into the United States during times of high border activity.
In addition to his concerns, Kelly has also championed bipartisan efforts to address the crisis. He has introduced legislation with Republican colleagues to increase Border Patrol pay and add a reserve force, as well as a bill requiring Homeland Security to develop a strategic plan for managing migrant surges.
VP Harris's Potential Running Mate Mark Kelly and His Border Policy Positions
Kelly's office has emphasized the additional resources he has secured for border security operations and technology through multiple spending bills. This year, his office highlighted funding for border security technology, including fentanyl detection and surveillance towers.
Kelly has also supported the bipartisan border security agreement unveiled in the Senate, which would have increased border funding and restricted entries into the interior. He has accused Republicans of abandoning the agreement and urged them to engage in meaningful discussions to find solutions.
VP Harris's Potential Running Mate Mark Kelly and His Border Policy Positions
When backing Biden's executive order limiting border entries, Kelly criticized Republicans for failing to pass the Senate deal. He emphasized that the executive order was necessary because Congress had not acted to address the crisis.
Some in Arizona believe that Kelly's border experience and bipartisan record would make him a valuable asset as Harris's vice president. Yuma County Supervisor Tony Reyes has expressed support for Kelly, suggesting that his border knowledge would strengthen Harris's campaign.
Kelly's nuanced stance on border policy, balancing support for the Biden administration with a willingness to criticize its policies, has earned him bipartisan respect and could make him an attractive running mate for Harris. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, his unique perspective on the border crisis is likely to attract attention and influence the race's outcome.
