U.S. Rep. McSally Named Chairwoman of Key Border Subcommittee

First Hearing on Cartel Threat to be Held Feb. 16

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha McSally today announced her appointment to chair the Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee, a position she has held since February 16, 2016. Last year, Rep. McSally chaired seven subcommittee hearings, including a field hearing in Sahuarita, that examined issues such as border effectiveness measurements, manning and infrastructure needs, the threat of visa overstays, and Border Patrol’s “defense-in-depth” strategy.

“For Southern Arizonans, the border is an ever-present part of daily life,” said Rep. McSally. “It brings incredible economic opportunity, but also significant threats to public safety, such as those posed by smugglers and cartels. I am honored to once again chair a subcommittee that has such importance to the people I represent. I will continue in my role as chairwoman to fight for improved manning and infrastructure at our ports and for a smarter, more effective strategy that places our focus at the border and keeps our communities safe.”

“I am honored to announce Rep. Martha McSally as Chairwoman of the Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee for the 115th Congress,” said Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee Michael McCaul. “As the first female fighter pilot to fly in combat, Rep. McSally brings a unique perspective on how to better protect the American people. I look forward to working alongside Congresswoman McSally to help resolve the challenges at the border and better secure our homeland."

Rep. McSally’s short time as Chairwoman of the Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee already has produced key revelations about our border strategy. Her first hearing held on March 1, 2016 revealed that Border Patrol has situational awareness of only 56% of the border. Her questioning during a hearing she held on April 16, 2016 elicited testimony from a top Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official that the Douglas Port of Entry is a top infrastructure priority for the Administration and would be included in CBP’s five-year infrastructure plan.

At a field hearing she chaired on May 9, 2016, Southern Arizonans testified about the experiences of local residents living along the border. The hearing featured two panels of witnesses representing a wide spectrum of views, including local law enforcement, Border Patrol, local government, business owners, non-profits, ranchers, and border residents.

Rep. McSally is scheduled to chair her first subcommittee hearing of the 115th Congress on February 16th. The hearing will focus on the threats posed by cartels along the southern border.