OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Appropriations Committee chairman Roger Thompson, ROkemah, released the following statement Tuesday in support of U.S. Senator James Lankford’s efforts to reach a bipartisan deal on the national border security package.

“We’re facing a historic crisis at our southern border and one of our greatest threats to national security, with 10,000 people, on average, coming into our country daily, many of them unvetted. In December, more than 300,000 illegal migrants made their way across our border – that’s nearly 8% of our state’s population alone yet the Biden administration has done very little to stop the flood of migrants.

“While some Republicans have criticized Senator Lankford’s efforts to reach a bipartisan deal to address border security, I applaud his leadership and determination to get something done as soon as possible for the safety of our nation, businesses, and people. Our national security should never be a partisan issue to begin with, but this has become a prime example of politics over policy. A lot of politicians have criticized his work when they themselves are doing nothing to offer solutions or help the situation in any way. Our country, and our state for that matter, cannot withstand this continuing onslaught of undocumented migrants that is costing U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars, along with increasing crime, homelessness, and illegal drug activity. Congress must take swift action for the safety of our nation and her citizens.”