Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) challenged Republican lawmakers to introduce legislation to remove the Statue of Liberty.
During a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing on Wednesday, Frost called out his Republican colleagues for their support of H.R.2, known as Secure the Border Act of 2023.
Under H.R.2, changes would be made to border security and immigration laws, such as imposing limits on asylum eligibility and requiring employers to verify new hires’ employment eligibility by using an electronic system.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would also be required to “resume all activities related to constructing a wall” along the southern border.
“To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle,” Frost began. “Let’s be honest with immigrants who deserve better than what you’re offering them. Don’t welcome immigrants if you plan to reject them.”
“If you keep pushing your bigoted H.R.2 bill, then also pass this bill. I’ve taken the liberty of drafting it for you,” Frost added as an image of the Statue of Liberty was held behind him. “It removes the Statue of Liberty, our largest symbol that tells people to come here.”
Frost added that Republicans were “removing the fabric of America” and questioned “which Republican” lawmaker who had supported and voted in favor of H.R.2 would also support introducing the bill to remove the Statue of Liberty.
During the hearing, Frost also read from the poem, “The New Colossus,” which has been famously known as being a message welcoming immigrants who had arrived at Ellis Island.
“If you’re gonna support H.R.2 and these bigoted measures, the least you can do is not be a damn liar,” Frost added. “As Americans, we must reject hypocrisy and lead with love.”
H.R.2 was first introduced in the House on May 2 and later passed on May 11. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), and co-sponsored by GOP lawmakers such as Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), and Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.).