Steven Dial of FOX 4 discusses what to anticipate from Congress in 2025 with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne of Irving.
On Friday, the newly elected U.S. Congress took office, bringing with it certain changes to the government.
The House of Representatives, the Senate, and the White House are now narrowly controlled by Republicans.
Texas Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) met with Fox 4’s Steven Dial to discuss the next session, its objectives, and its worries.
What concerns do you have going into this session?
Crockett: “The kinds of executive orders that [President-elect Donald Trump] might issue are the main things that worry me.
“In my opinion, nothing will necessarily happen very quickly in terms of laws and their amendments. We are aware that the Republicans have a smaller majority in the 119th Congress than they did in the 118th, and we are aware that the house is the reason why this Congress was the least productive in its history. Therefore, I’m not entirely sure that, at least for the first portion of his administration, legislation will be the main priority.
“We have a lot of work to do,” said Van Duyne. I want to ensure that we are reducing expenditures, which is one of my concerns. I want to make sure that votes are heard. I believe they were rather explicit about the two issues that were troubling them.
That’s the way our border security is actually influencing crime in our neighborhood.
“I believe the economy is to blame. It’s inflationary worries. growing expenses. Their goal is to ensure that there are employment opportunities and economic progress.
On Immigration
Dial: “Is the vow of mass deportations made by President-elect Trump realistic in your opinion? Will that actually occur?
Van Duyne: “There is undoubtedly a method for them to proceed with that. There is a plan. As you are aware, we enjoyed a positive working relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Irving, Texas, where I served as a local representative. We collaborated with them.
“I believe it involves examining and collaborating with those localities that are open to working with the federal government. Whether it’s a cap 24-7 program, which is what we developed in Irving, or a 287 G program.
“It involves a connection to Customs Enforcement and Immigration. Since illegal aliens are the biggest threat to your towns, it is focusing on them.
Crockett: “He discussed constructing the wall in the first term. He discussed shipping folks out this time.
“I believe that more individuals are beginning to realize that the gig is over. That Trump depends on immigrants, as do his millionaire friends, with whom he is filling his whole administration. Regularly.
“The fact is that immigration enriches the entire nation. Does that imply that there aren’t any issues that require attention? Not at all. due to the fact that no system is flawless.
Tariffs
Dial Do you believe President-elect Trump will actually implement his tariff policies, or do you think his rhetoric is just empty rhetoric?
Crockett: “I need the majority of us to realize that we are not a solitary island floating in the United States. In actuality, our global economy is enormous.
Therefore, we will be severely impacted by the levies. And for those who are furious that grocery prices have not returned to their pre-pandemic levels, let me simply say that if he follows through on his pledge to impose these tariffs, the cost of our food in particular will increase significantly.”
“I think it’s a very strong negotiating tool,” said Van Duyne.
“And as you can see, foreign leaders from all around the world have essentially abandoned America over the past four years, disregarding any leadership role they may have believed we ever held.
“They are presently attending the meeting before the inauguration of President Trump. Therefore, I do believe that tariffs will be crucial in ensuring that American markets and leadership remain open and equitable.
On commuting or pardoning those convicted for their role in Jan. 6
Van Duyne: “I believe that anyone who assaulted an officer or other people, or who genuinely committed a crime and vandalized public property in that manner, ought to be held accountable,” he said.
“It should definitely happen if there are individuals being detained as political prisoners merely because one party was attempting to make a political statement, which in many instances appears to have been the case.
“I oppose the politicization of our federal agencies and bureaus. They shouldn’t be at a party, in my opinion.
Crockett: “January sixers will undoubtedly be pardoned by Trump.
“Now, that’s one pledge I believe he will keep.
We are aware that he frequently pardoned people who were closest to him and had demonstrated their commitment to him during his first term in office. In actuality, all that attended the Capitol on January 6th did so at his request.
His allegations against him were still unresolved because of this. Because he doesn’t believe in law and order, I do believe that he will repay them.
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