State Representative Poncho Nevárez’ Statements on the Border Wall, Import Tax, and Voter Fraud Investigation
Representative Nevàrez Denounces Plans for Border Wall
On January 25th, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order that directs, “the immediate construction of a physical wall on the southern border.” If this plan is executed, a large portion of the wall would be built in House District 74, which includes many border counties and Big Bend National Park.
Representative Nevàrez denounced the plan for the border wall. He went on to say, “This wall is an affront to Texas. It is logistically impossible and financially irresponsible. The wall will be built through Big Bend when pigs fly upside down and backwards.”
Representative Nevárez Calls Twenty Percent Import Tax Reckless
On January 26th, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer announced a potential funding source for the border wall. Press Secretary Spicer suggested imposing a twenty percent tax on imports from Mexico but failed to offer further details on how the import tax would be implemented. After a negative reaction from people across the political and business spectrum, Spicer walked back his remarks saying the twenty percent tax plan was not a policy proposal but “one idea” that could fund the border wall.
Representative Nevárez called the twenty percent tariff proposal reckless. “It is irresponsible to test out policy ideas in the media without first considering the profound impact on American consumers and the economy. Businesses are preparing for the worst; so without even implementing the policy, proposing it has already had a negative impact.” He went on to say, “The economic burden would fall especially hard on the constituents and businesses of House District 74 relying heavily on trade from Mexico. Furthermore, the United States cannot impose a Mexican import tariff under NAFTA rules.”
Voter Fraud Investigation Is Based On How Voters Look
On January 23rd, President Trump shared a story with some members of Congress wherein a professional golfer named Bernhard Langer, allegedly told Trump he was denied the right to vote in Florida while there were other people in line, “who did not look as if they should be allowed to vote.” This incident fueled Trump’s desire to launch an investigation into voter fraud. He is expected to sign an executive order to launch an investigation soon. Mr. Langer is a German citizen who has permanent resident status in the United States; therefore he does not legally have the right to vote in the US. Furthermore, has denied the conversation took place. Trump claims 3 to 5 million people illegally voted in this past election, however there is no evidence to support these allegations.
Representative Nevárez stated, “I am appalled by the idea that citizens should be questioned about their voting right based on their looks or the color of their skin. Furthermore it is just as appalling that our President uses a flat out lie to support his claim.”
Representative Alfonso “Poncho” Nevárez is currently serving his third term as the State Representative for House District 74, which includes the counties of Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Kinney, Loving, Maverick, Pecos, Presidio, Reeves, Terrell, and Val Verde. He serves as the Vice-Chair of the House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee. He is also a member of the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Local and Consent Calendars Committee.
