Make no mistake about it, @GovAbbott's executive order requiring hospitals to report healthcare costs for visits from undocumented immigrants has absolutely nothing to do with recouping costs and everything to do with scapegoating immigrants and targeting border communities

🧵 He is trying to rile up his base, fuel hatred against immigrants, and is actively trying to harm immigrant communities, wanting to create fear for non-citizens who may need to seek medical care while in Texas, even for life-threatening situations.

On August 3, 2019, El Pasoans found themselves at the center of America’s domestic violent extremism and our gun violence epidemic.

It’s been four years since a white supremacist confessed that he drove over 10 hours to El Paso in order to slaughter Hispanics and immigrants. He published a screed online, using the same xenophobic rhetoric used by former President Donald Trump, rhetoric that is still unapologetically repeated today by many Republicans in positions of public trust.

When Sunday shows and reporters ask Republicans to comment about the “border crisis,” why do they never ask Republicans about this:

🧵🧵🧵 Last Congress, Republicans voted AGAINST: 

$7.2 billion for Border Patrol operations
$65 million for 300 new Border Patrol agents
$3.4 billion to modernize infrastructure at ports of entry
$60 million for CBP personnel at ports
$230 million for between-the-ports technology

.@POTUS's budget invests in America, lowers costs for families, strengthens Medicare and Social Security, and reduces the deficit by nearly $3 trillion over 10 years.

Meanwhile, House Republicans have proposed slashing over 20% in spending. What does this mean for Texans?

🧵 It hurts nearly 5 million seniors and people with disabilities in Texas by forcing them to endure longer wait times when they call for assistance for both Social Security and Medicare.

🧵As @POTUS and Mexican President @lopezobrador_ hold their first bilateral meeting today, it is imperative to keep in mind that this deadly global pandemic won’t be defeated anywhere until it is defeated everywhere. The U.S.-Mexico relationship is a critical one. We share a nearly 2,000-mile border and our economies and societies are inextricably intertwined – especially in border communities.
Cross-border collaboration and urgent action are needed to tackle this health and economic crisis.

January 6, 2021 will be remembered as a dark and tragic day in American history.

Our democracy was threatened by domestic terrorists who violently stormed the Capitol at the direct instigation of the 45th President of the United States and his enablers. Their failed coup attempt brought America to her knees and marked the final chapter of a presidency motivated by chaos, hate, and division.

Despite this unlawful and un-American action and unfounded objections, our fragile democracy prevailed.

In moments of great tragedy, Americans have always found a way to come together. Not republicans, not democrats, but Americans.

And those of us fortunate enough to be elected leaders have a unique obligation to ensure America triumphs over her challenges. Today, we face one of those great tragedies and it is a moment of truth for us.

We have witnessed the President of the United States betraying his oath of office, inviting foreign countries to interfere in our elections, and covering up his wrongdoing.

The White House invited me to join @realDonaldTrump during his visit to El Paso. My response was clear. I requested a phone call with him today in order to share what I have now heard from many constituents, including some who are victims of Saturday’s attack. My message would’ve been that he needs to understand that his words are powerful and have consequences. Using racist language to describe Mexicans, immigrants and other minorities dehumanize us. Those words inflame others.