Failed Border Policies

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Montana for yielding. I thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), my dear friend and colleague, another Representative from Arkansas for joining me here at the well.

Mr. Speaker, I am here today to honor and remember the remarkable life of my constituent, Jennifer Ann Morton, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose life was senselessly taken far too young.

While I did not have the opportunity to meet Jennifer myself, I understand she was a warm-hearted woman with unwavering principles. Born and raised in central Arkansas, Jennifer attended the University of the Ozarks for her undergraduate education. She later attended UAMS, where she obtained her license in respiratory therapy to pursue her passion for taking care of children as a respiratory therapist in the Infant Toddler Unit at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Her dedication to her work and her love for the children she cared for were unparalleled.

For nearly 20 years, Jennifer was a loyal supporter of the Texarkana Baptist Children's Home. The team at Baptist Kids knew Miss Jennifer as a compassionate and empathetic contributor to their mission, someone who never hesitated to support Arkansas children. With each donation, whether monetary or gifts for the kids, she always sent a personal and intentional letter to express her gratitude and care for the folks at Baptist Kids.

Her tender and caring heart was evident through her love for her nephews. She loved to spoil them. On every single holiday, she would always buy them matching pajamas.

Friends, this was a woman who devoted her life to caring for children. Her dedication was such that she would often leave work after a long shift and go to the store to buy new clothes for her patients, ensuring they were always comfortable and cared for.

However, above all, Jennifer always put God first. Everything else came second, no matter what.

Just 10 days ago, at only 48 years young, Jennifer's life was tragically and senselessly taken. Early in the morning on September 8, an illegal immigrant crashed into Jennifer while recklessly driving drunk through Little Rock.

Maynor Herrera, the man responsible for her death, was found fleeing the scene of the crash and was apprehended by the Arkansas State Police. He was charged with negligent homicide, DUI, driving without a license, weapons violations, and more. We later learned that he had already been deported from the U.S. in 2018. Due to our current chaotic immigration and border policies, there is no telling when he reentered, how he evaded Border Patrol, or how long he had been living in Arkansas.

This tragedy should have never happened. He should have never been in our country to begin with. The Biden-Harris administration's open- border policies are allowing thousands of men like Maynor Herrera to enter our country every single day.

We are failing our country. We need to step up, secure the border, and put an end to this chaos before any more innocent Americans lose their lives because of failed policies.

Before I close, I would like to recognize the brave Arkansas State Troopers who quickly responded on the scene on September 8: Sergeant Dakotah Bailey and Trooper Hunter Glover were the first to arrive on the scene. Corporal Benjamin Ibarra and Trooper Chance Fortune also responded.

Sergeant Bailey detained Herrera as he fled the crash, and Trooper Glover notified Jennifer's father, Jimmy, what had happened. I spoke with Jimmy just Monday, and he told me that Trooper Glover was kind, patient, and respectful in his actions that day, characteristics that the family will undoubtedly remember. Arkansans are blessed to have law enforcement officers who lead with respect and dignity above all else.

Mr. Speaker, Jennifer Morton's legacy will never be forgotten. We will remember her as a God-fearing and compassionate woman who cared deeply for her family and dedicated her life to caring for children. May God bless Jennifer's loved ones as they mourn her loss, a life taken far too soon.

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