House Democrats Criticize Vice President Harris Amid Border Crisis Debate

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has accused Republicans of fabricating the title of "border czar" in reference to Vice President Kamala Harris, as tensions rise over her handling of the migrant crisis. Jeffries made these remarks during a press conference, asserting that a resolution introduced by House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., was a "fake and fraudulent" attempt to undermine Harris. He emphasized that the resolution was a product of "extreme MAGA Republicans" who lack a coherent agenda. The resolution, which criticizes Harris's role in addressing the border crisis, marks the first significant legislative action targeting her since she was appointed by President Biden in 2021 to lead efforts on the issue. Despite claims from Democrats and some media outlets that Harris was never officially designated as "border czar," Jeffries maintained that Republicans are misrepresenting the situation due to their inability to present a viable alternative to the Democratic agenda. In a surprising turn, six House Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the resolution, which passed with a vote of 220 to 196. These Democrats, who have not endorsed Harris, include Reps. Jared Golden, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and Henry Cuellar, among others. Their defection highlights a potential rift within the party as it rallies behind Biden's chosen successor. Despite the dissent, Jeffries asserted that he has not encountered any discontent among House Democrats regarding the party's direction. He expressed confidence in the unity of the caucus, contrasting it with what he described as the disarray within the Republican ranks.