In a publicity stunt so he can boost his flagging poll numbers as he faces an uncertain bid for reelection, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) recently decided to begin what he dubbed “enhanced” inspections at several key border crossing areas of the state that have greatly slowed down commerce by truck.
According to the El Paso Times, truckers are normally able to get their freight moved from Mexico to Texas in a couple of hours. But then Abbott imposed his enhanced inspections in order to let the public know he’s doing something even though the truth is exactly the opposite:
Truckers said they usually spend two or three hours crossing into El Paso from Juárez. After Gov. Greg Abbott announced new Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper inspections at ports of entry, truckers this week suddenly found themselves in 10-plus hour lines.
Rather than admit he’d screwed up, Abbott tried to blame the Biden administration, though his logic was badly flawed:
Abbott blamed the Biden administration for “not securing our border” and rescinding Title 42, effective next month. The governor did not explain how DPS inspections, which include safety checks on brakes and lights, relate to immigration policies.
Abbott’s remarks were read back to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki at Wednesday’s press briefing, and she quickly eviscerated the Texas governor, remarking:
“Well, I think we are trying to state the facts of what his — another political stunt that we seeing happen and the impact of it. What we’re seeing is right now factually there is over $1 million in trade crossing over the US/Mexico border every minute. These actions are impacting people’s jobs and the livelihoods of hardworking people in Texas and across the country. That’s not a political statement. That is a statement of fact. I would note what we’re seeing with these unnecessary inspections of trucks, transiting ports of entry between Texas and Mexico are significant delays which are resulting in a drop of commercial traffic of up to 60% to 70% in some ports.”
Psaki was far from finished, adding:
“And that is significantly impacting the local and regional supply chains to the point that trade associations, officials are businesses are calling for the Texas governor to reverse this self-inflicted gridlock. I would also note that CBP officers are very good at their jobs and Texas DPS does not need to replace them at the southern border. CPD has conducted a record number of drug seizures….so the economic impact here, something that people of all political stripes are calling for a reversal of is something that is significant and we felt that it should be shouted out.”
Jen Psaki is leaving the administration this spring to join MSNBC. Her clear, factual rebutting of Republican bullshit will be missed.
Here’s the video from CBS News:
