House Oversight Committee Chairman Denies Funding for Democratic Reps’ Trip to Meet Alleged MS-13 Gang Member
WASHINGTON — House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) criticized Democratic representatives Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) for requesting taxpayer-funded travel to meet with an alleged MS-13 gang member who is currently housed in an El Salvador prison.
Comer denied their request to visit CECOT, the prison that is now home to many gang members apprehended in El Salvador and criminal deportees from the US, citing the representatives’ previous lack of support for oversight of the Biden Border Crisis.
He stated, “It is absurd that you both displayed active hostility for over two years toward the Committee’s oversight of the Biden Border Crisis and the consequences of millions of illegal aliens entering the country, yet now, you are seeking travel at Committee expense to meet with foreign gang members.”
Comer also mentioned a Democrat senator, Chris Van Hollen, who was photographed in El Salvador with the same gang member the representatives wanted to meet, enjoying margaritas.
“If you also wish to meet with him, you can spend your own money. But I will not approve a single dime of taxpayer funds for use on the excursion you have requested,” Comer added.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) accused Van Hollen of “wasting taxpayer dollars” by visiting and defending the alleged gang member.
Despite the controversy surrounding the gang member, Abrego Garcia, and his deportation, Democrats continue to question the Trump administration’s handling of the situation.
Federal courts have ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return to the US, while Republicans point to past reports of domestic abuse and alleged involvement in human trafficking.
The Post reached out to representatives Frost and Garcia for comment on the matter.
