Texas Lawmaker Proposes Bill Requiring Mayorkas to Fly Commercial Until Southern Border Is Secured

Texas Lawmaker Proposes Bill Requiring Mayorkas to Fly Commercial Until Southern Border Is Secured
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas speaks at a press briefing at the White House on Sept. 24, 2021 (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Savannah Hulsey Pointer
3/10/2023
Updated:
3/10/2023
0:00

Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) announced the introduction of legislation that would ban Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas from using private jets for travel until he secures the southern border of the United States.

“Public service is a privilege,” De La Cruz told reporters during a March 10 press briefing, saying that Mayorkas shouldn’t get the perks of his job if he isn’t carrying out the duties of his position.
Monica De La Cruz, (R-Texas) believes her progressive opponent's radical views will not sit well with traditional Hispanic voters. (Courtesy of Monica De La Cruz)
Monica De La Cruz, (R-Texas) believes her progressive opponent's radical views will not sit well with traditional Hispanic voters. (Courtesy of Monica De La Cruz)

“The American people expect our leaders to do our jobs,” the congresswoman said, before going on to assert that “no one has a right to a private jet,” saying the same should apply to any cabinet member in the Biden administration.

According to the congresswoman, the bill outlines what is “obvious” to the people in her district in South Texas and to Americans nationwide that the failure to secure the southern border has “hurt all Americans.”

“Illegal immigration is out of control, and we have a record [amount] of fentanyl entering our country,” the Texas Republican said. “This has produced a humanitarian crisis in communities like mine along the southern border. Enough is enough.

“We are here today to say that since Secretary Mayorkas refuses to perform the most basic functions of his office, he should be stripped of the right to private flight he currently enjoys, and fly coach just like everybody else.

The lawmaker said that because public servants work for the American people, they should be held to the same standards as private employees.

“It’s real simple folks. If you fail to do your job at work, you just won’t last very long, and you certainly don’t get to fly in a private jet.”

During the question and answer portion of the press conference, De La Cruz was asked whether there was a timeline for Republicans’ push to impeach Mayorkas.

The lawmaker said that at this time she’s focused on legislation to keep the country safe.

A Feb. 11 report from The Epoch Times indicated the Department of Homeland Security had secured outside representation ahead of possible impeachment proceedings against Mayorkas.
However, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) told reporters on Feb. 30 that Republicans didn’t have enough support to impeach the cabinet member.

“I don’t think we’re close to having the votes,” Gaetz added when asked if impeachment proponents might still be able to drum up enough support in the House.

Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) introduced articles of impeachment against Mayorkas in January, and Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) brought additional impeachment articles in February.