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Tom Cotton: The Border Must Be Secure--'It's a National Security Issue'

November 30, 2014

Congressman and Senator-elect Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) said that securing the border is a national security issue, casting aside accusations that linking terrorism and border security was merely 'campaign rhetoric.'

"Hezbollah has tried to launch terrorist attacks right here in Washington, D.C. They're under federal indictment collaborating with locals in Mexico to cross our border to attack us here," Cotton told NBC's Chuck Todd.

"As long as our border is open and it's defenseless, then it's not just an immigration issue--it's a national security issue. We know these drug cartels in Mexico are focused primarily on power and profit. They'll branch out into any activity if it brings them more money and helps them consolidate control. That's yet another reason why we need control of our border."

When Todd asked Cotton if his rhetoric created an obstacle to passing comprehensive immigration reform and accused him of "fear-mongering," Cotton doubled down and pointed out that Americans should indeed be fearful of potential threats posed by the porous U.S.-Mexico border.

"The Islamic State is cutting the heads off of Americans right now, and their leader has said they want to strike us in the United States," Cotton said. "That's something we should be fearful of and that we should take a stance against, whether in Iraq and Syria or whether it's securing our southern border."

Cotton also said that immigration was the number one issue that propelled himself and other Republicans to victory in November.

"It's certainly a central issue in the campaign, along with Obamacare and national security," Cotton said. "Too many Arkansans are worried about the impact that rampant illegal immigration is having on their communities and local services, on the impact it's having on jobs jobs for working families all the country, and that's why they want us to address those problems in the new congress."