Congressman spreads misinformation about southern border, cause for high gas prices

Editor:

Congressman Chris Jacobs, where is the honor in spreading misinformation? In a press release about our southern border on March 7, Mr. Jacobs wrote: “When I was here in April, it was estimated that cartels were making $11 million a week from smuggling activities – that number has essentially doubled now to $24 million a week.”

However, news station KENS in San Antonio Texas on May 19, 2021 (nearly one year ago), reported from the Del Rio region: “Border Patrol officials said the cartels are bringing in $24 million in weekly revenue from human smuggling.”

President Biden had been in office for only four months at this point and still trying to get his administration established. Mr. Jacobs’ report shows that border security has stabilized after four years of chaos and that should be cause of celebration. This administration is doing a great job. Not only securing the border but doing so in an ethical and humane manner.

Congressman Chris Jacobs is also spreading misinformation about Keystone XL pipeline. In a March 9th speech on the floor of the House of Representatives Mr. Jacobs criticized the President for cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline. Mr. Jacobs also proposed legislation calling on the President to re-establish the Keystone XL pipeline as if that would help lower gas prices.

A study by the State Department of the Keystone XL pipeline in 2017 found that the pipeline, even if operating at full capacity, would have minimal effect on the price of gasoline. Furthermore, there is no indication that the oil from the pipeline would not be exported to other countries.

Two final points. First, the Biden administration has approved more permits for oil and gas drilling on federal lands in its first year than the previous administration did in its last year. Second, Exxon, BP, Shell, and Chevron posted record profits last year. However, they have so far refused to increase production which increases the price you pay at the pump.

In a district as solidly Republican as the 27th and the new 24th district, why do you feel the need to spread misinformation? Is spreading misinformation your political strategy to manipulate voters because you have no rational policies?

Do you realize that spreading misinformation does not solve problems affecting the citizens in your district? Please explain to us why you’re are spreading misinformation. Thank you.

William Fine

Brockport