Katie Britt slams Biden on border in GOP SOTU response: "This crisis is despicable"
Published Date: 3/8/2024
Source: axios.com

Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) gave a rebuke of President Biden's border and immigration policies in her Republican State of the Union response from her home.

Why it matters: The speech from the freshman senator is a stark example of how Republicans continue to make immigration and border security their top election year issue.


  • Britt also took aim at Biden's economic record, hitting the president on inflation after he trumpeted wins on the economy in his speech.
  • The Alabama senator criticized Biden's foreign policy even as he led his State of the Union with pushing Republicans to pass aid to Ukraine.

The big picture: Biden took several opportunities to draw direct differences between he and former President Trump. Britt did the same thing.

  • "President Biden inherited the most secure border of all-time," Britt said, arguing his reversal of Trump policies were the cause of the "crisis" at the border.
  • "America deserves leaders who recognize that secure borders, stable prices, safe streets, and a strong defense are the cornerstones of a great nation," Britt said.

The fine print: Britt delivered the speech from her home kitchen in Alabama, saying Americans have tough conversations around their kitchen tables.

  • Britt used the speech from her home as a way to paint Biden as an out of touch career politician.
  • "This crisis is despicable. And the truth is, it is almost entirely preventable," she said in reference to Biden's handling of the border.
  • "From fentanyl poisonings to horrific murders, there are empty chairs tonight at kitchen tables just like this one," Britt said.
  • "The American family needs to have a tough conversation," Britt added. "The truth is, we're all worried about the future of our nation."

Driving the news: Britt tried to limit the damage done to Republicans after an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that stopped IVF treatments in the state.

  • Britt said Republicans support "nationwide" protections for IVF.
  • But Republicans in the Senate last week blocked a bill that would codify IVF protections federally.

The bottom line: Beyond policy, Britt turned to one of Republicans' favorite targets against the president: His age and ability to carry out his job.

  • "The free world deserves better than a dithering and diminished leader," Britt said.

Go deeper: In photos: Key moments from Biden's State of the Union address