Rep. Scott Perry suggested that House Republicans shouldn’t allow President Biden to give his State of the Union address next week over the lack of border security measures.
“We need to use every single point of leverage,” the Pennsylvania Republican said Monday on Fox Business’ “Mornings With Maria.”
“He comes at the invitation of Congress, and Republicans are in control of the House. There’s no reason that we need to invite him to get more propaganda.”
Mr. Perry, the former leader of the House Freedom Caucus, said Mr. Biden will use the speech to “blame the American people for the crisis he’s caused.”
Congress has been unable to pass a border funding bill after Senate Republicans killed the bipartisan bill this month that would’ve provided aid to America’s allies and fund border measures whose asylum aspects outraged many conservatives. Mr. Biden will visit the southern border Thursday.
Mr. Biden is set to give his State of the Union address on March 7. He was invited by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, in January.
Mr. Perry isn’t the only lawmaker who has suggested that Mr. Biden not give his speech. Sen. Joni Ernst is calling on the president to submit his budget plan and National Security Strategy before the speech.
“Well, actions speak louder than words, folks, and Biden’s budget is late once again,” the Iowa Republican said in a statement. “If the president is going to be allowed the opportunity to address Congress and the entire nation, he should actually have a plan in place. At a time when Americans are facing skyrocketing inflation and the world is on fire, we deserve more than just empty rhetoric.”
The address comes just days after the government could face a partial shutdown Friday, with another potential closing the day after the address unless Congress passes spending bills.