Home U.S. Chamber of Commerce lauds Spanberger bill as key to immigration, border security
Local

U.S. Chamber of Commerce lauds Spanberger bill as key to immigration, border security

Rebecca Barnabi
social media
(© Aleksei – stock.adobe.com)

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has named U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia’s bipartisan Combating Cartels on Social Media Act as one of 15 key bills for addressing immigration and border security challenges.

Spanberger’s bill would combat the use of social media by transnational criminal organizations seeking to recruit individuals in the U.S. to support illicit activities.

The national Chamber of Commerce believes the legislation “would achieve important progress toward addressing America’s immigration and border security challenges.”

“We believe Congress can make meaningful progress to secure America’s borders and modernize the broken immigration system,” Neil L. Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, & Head of Strategic Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said. “Action on these bipartisan bills would be a good start.”

By enhancing cooperation between government agencies and private sector platforms, the Combating Cartels on Social Media Act would help law enforcement hold cartels accountable — while also giving border communities and communities across the country the tools they need to engage with and educate at-risk youth who are targeted by the cartels.

The legislation was introduced in March 2023. The national Chamber of Commerce commended Spanberger for working with members from both parties to put forth “bipartisan, commonsense solutions” amid America’s challenges.

“As a former federal agent and CIA case officer who tracked cartels and worked narcotics cases, I recognize the national security threat posed by cartels — both to vulnerable populations south of our border and to the Virginians I represent,” Spanberger said. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen a stark uptick in cartels using social media platforms to recruit drivers to help with human smuggling operations. Our bipartisan bill goes after these criminals, holds them accountable for preying on vulnerable populations, and recognizes the urgency of the crisis at our southern border. I appreciate the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to finding common ground on one of the most challenging, complex, and pressing issues of our time.”

Spanberger leads the bill with U.S. Reps. Dr. Michael C. Burgess of Texas and Juan Ciscomani of Arizona. U.S. Sens. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Mark Kelly of Arizona and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee lead companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca Barnabi

Rebecca J. Barnabi is the national editor of Augusta Free Press. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, she began her journalism career at The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star. In 2013, she was awarded first place for feature writing in the Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Awards Program, and was honored by the Virginia School Boards Association’s 2019 Media Honor Roll Program for her coverage of Waynesboro Schools. Her background in newspapers includes writing about features, local government, education and the arts.

Latest News

motorcycle helmet broken glass
Virginia

Front Royal man dead in high-speed collision involving motorcycle

glenn youngkin donald trump
Politics, Virginia

Youngkin claims 500+ arrests of immigrant gang members from task force

MAGA Gov. Glenn Youngkin is claiming that an outfit called the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force has made more than 500 arrests as of Monday, though the governor’s office isn’t able to give us much detail on the nature of the arrests. A press release from Youngkin’s office claims that 132 people affiliated with MS-13...

earth planet ecology environment recycle world
Education, Local

‘We’ve Got the Power’: Earth Day Staunton to acknowledge Augusta County Schools

Earth Day Staunton’s theme for 2025 of renewable energy, titled “We’ve Got the Power to Protect the Planet,” is a timely one.

wwe
Wrestling

Paul Heyman goes off on ‘McAfee’ fan: ‘The one that’s going to get deported?’

woman arrest handcuffs
Local

Three arrested in connection with October murder in Albemarle County

harrisonburg
Education, Local

Harrisonburg: Last day to register for annual Soap Box Derby is May 5

staunton rally17
Local, Politics

Note to whiny White liberals: You don’t need official permission to protest