The White House has ripped Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott over his new inspection policy, which commercial truckers complain has snarled traffic from Mexico and President Joe Biden’s aides contend has exacerbated supply chain concerns in the United States.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki slammed Abbott’s inspection policy, an attempt to crack down on people smuggling amid a reelection campaign, as “unnecessary and redundant.”
BIDEN TAPS LOWER-KEY GUN CONTROL ADVOCATE TO RUN ATF AFTER FIRST PICK FAILED
Psaki underscored the consequences Abbott’s policy is having on the food and automobile supply chains, “delaying manufacturing, impacting jobs, and raising prices for families in Texas and across the country.”
“Local businesses and trade associations are calling on Gov. Abbott to reverse this decision because trucks are facing lengthy delays exceeding five hours at some border crossings, and commercial traffic has dropped by as much as 60%,” she said.
The continuous flow of legitimate trade and travel, as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s ability to do its job, should not be obstructed, according to Psaki. CBP has also criticized the policy, though traffic has dropped since its introduction.
“Gov. Abbott’s actions are impacting people’s jobs, and the livelihoods of hardworking American families,” Psaki added.
Abbott ordered Texas state troopers last week to conduct additional inspections of commercial truckers after the Biden administration announced it was rolling back a public health authority that has facilitated the immediate deportation of illegal migrants and those seeking asylum at the border because of the pandemic. Title 42 remains in place until May 23.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Mexico is the U.S.’s most important source of outside agricultural goods, importing almost $34 billion worth of products in 2020.
