House Republicans have long blamed President Joe Biden for failing to stop the crisis on America's southern border. The Washington Examiner reported this week that they're planning to strike back with a major piece of legislation.  

The paper cited five Republican House aides as saying that the Homeland Security Committee will introduce a comprehensive bill by the middle of the month.

Bill calls for more agents

Its provisions include boosting Border Patrol staff levels as well as removing a form of vegetation known as carrizo cane which is commonly found along sections of the Rio Grande.

Law enforcement personnel complain that the tall grass obstructs their vision of the river while making patrols more difficult, both of which are helpful to human smugglers.

The legislation will also echo elements of an earlier piece of legislation put forward last summer by the American Security Task Force, which was assembled in 2021.

It contains a demand that physical barriers be erected along the border. The Examiner noted that although former President Donald Trump's administration secured funding for 800 miles of border wall construction, only 400 worth was actually put up.

Congressman says legislation "offers long-term, workable solutions"

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green wrote an opinion piece for the Examiner last month in which he touted the bill.

"This legislation will reflect a deep understanding of the ins and outs of the dire problems at the border and the policy changes required to address this crisis effectively," Green declared.

"There are no quick fixes, and we intend to propose legislation that offers long-term, workable solutions," he continued, adding, "Inaction is not an option."

"Our legislation will make clear that our sovereign borders are not a mere suggestion; they are defended, and they are protected," Green insisted.

Border Patrol head admits that DHS lacks "operational control"

"While President Joe Biden and Mayorkas refuse to address this crisis, the House Homeland Security Committee is just getting started," the Republican lawmaker concluded.

Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz made headlines last month when he told members of the House Homeland Security Committee that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lacks "operational control" of the border.

🚨🚨🚨 BREAKING: Border Patrol Chief Ortiz contradicts Secretary Mayorkas and admits the truth:

DHS does NOT have operational control over our southern border. pic.twitter.com/YmpVy0t6c1

— Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) March 15, 2023

Ortiz later complained that the Border Patrol "tore down perfectly good infrastructure system in some areas that we should have just left alone."