Freshman Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) ignited a fiery debate as he launched a vehement critique against the Republican-led Secure the Border Act (H.R. 2). In a bold move, Frost not only expressed his opposition to the legislation but went a step further by proposing a bill of his own—one that aimed at the removal of the iconic Statue of Liberty from New York’s harbor.
Frost’s argument was framed around a provocative challenge to House Republicans. He asserted that if they were truly committed to securing the U.S.-Mexico border, they should also be open to the idea of dismantling the Statue of Liberty. Holding up his drafted bill, he urged his Republican counterparts to consider passing it alongside what he labeled as the “bigoted” H.R. 2. It was a move that aimed to draw attention to what Frost saw as a contradiction in supporting stringent border security measures while simultaneously rejecting immigrants symbolized by the Statue of Liberty.
In addressing his colleagues, Frost appealed to the principles of honesty in dealing with immigration issues. He questioned the sincerity of welcoming immigrants while advocating for policies that, in his view, would ultimately reject them. Waving the paper containing his proposed bill, Frost declared, “This is who you are, removing the fabric of America.” His passionate plea underscored the symbolic significance of the Statue of Liberty as a beacon inviting people to the United States.
Frost challenged Republicans who supported H.R. 2 to take a stand on his proposed legislation, emphasizing the need for consistency in their positions. He accused them of being complicit in the removal of a vital symbol that historically represented the values of freedom and opportunity in America. The dramatic gesture of waving the drafted bill added a visual element to Frost’s impassioned speech, making it a moment that captured the attention of both chambers and the public.
Freshman Democrat Rep. Max Frost: Republicans might as well take down the Statue of Liberty if they’re going to demand a secure border! ???? pic.twitter.com/6yAHno9n7l
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 17, 2024
Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) responded to Frost’s tirade with a measured acknowledgment of the seriousness of the policy debate. Scott affirmed his pro-border security stance while explicitly stating his opposition to the idea of taking down the Statue of Liberty. The exchange between Frost and Scott highlighted the deep ideological divide on immigration and border security, with each side presenting contrasting visions for the nation’s future.
Mark Hemingway contributed to the discourse by pointing out what he saw as a partisan distinction on the issue of tearing down statues. He emphasized the narrative that the desire to remove statues was associated more with one political party than the other.
Despite Frost’s passionate plea, a significant development occurred as 14 members of his own party broke ranks and voted with Republicans on House Resolution 957. This resolution denounced the Biden administration’s open-borders policies, condemned the perceived national security and public safety crisis along the southwest border, and urged President Biden to reconsider these policies.
In conclusion, Maxwell Frost’s bold challenge to Republicans sparked a heated debate that transcended mere policy discussions. It delved into the symbolic fabric of American identity, encapsulated by the Statue of Liberty, and underscored the deep-seated divisions within Congress on issues of immigration and border security. The subsequent developments, including Senator Scott’s response and the unexpected bipartisan vote on House Resolution 957, added layers to a complex and evolving political narrative.
