Washington, D.C. (July 1, 2021) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) is urging Governor Jay Inslee to assist in responding to the ongoing humanitarian, public health, and national security crisis at America’s southern border.

Cathy joined Representatives Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) in sending a letter to Governor Inslee requesting he respond to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s joint request for Washington State to send Washington National Guard troops to the border.

“An open southern border threatens our national security and the safety of all Americans. Hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals are entering our country each month with no documentation and unknown motives,” wrote the lawmakers. “At the current rate, illegal immigration from outside of Mexico and the northern triangle will be almost three times higher in 2021 than it was in 2019.”

They continued, “The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) allows states to share resources during disasters. According to Governor Ducey and Governor Abbott’s letter, as required by Article III(B) of EMAC, Texas and Arizona officials “will be contacting their counterparts in your State to prepare an appropriately detailed request for law-enforcement assistance.” While we should not be risking the safety of our own communities by taking resources away from them, we are fortunate to have a strong National Guard who are ready and able to assist.”

The lawmakers concluded, “American families in all 50 states are harmed by the influx of illegal immigrants crossing our southern border. On behalf of our constituents in Washington, we’re requesting that you approve Texas and Arizona’s requests for assistance and follow the lead of your fellow governors by deploying National Guard troops to help secure the southern border. State and federal officials have a duty to respond.”

CLICK HERE to read the full letter.