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U.S. Rep. Chip Roy Delivers Controversial 9/11 Speech
On the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, U.S. Representative Chip Roy stirred controversy with his address on the House floor. The Republican, who represents the 21st district that includes a portion of San Antonio’s North Side, utilized his 30-minute address to criticize the current administration’s handling of immigration issues and to express dissatisfaction with the state of public education.
Commemorating Victims Beyond 9/11
Roy argued that the country needs to commemorate not only the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack, but also victims of crimes committed by immigrants and victims of fentanyl overdoses. Without discounting the significance of the 9/11 commemorations, he asserted that there are daily victims as a result of “our policies in this chamber,” linking these casualties to issues of national inflation, housing affordability, and public safety.
Advocacy for Mass Deportation
The representative called for “mass deportation,” arguing that current border policy is allowing citizens to be harmed. He presented a report produced by his office that emphasizes crimes committed by immigrants and lamented the lack of public recognition for the American victims of these crimes.
Criticisms of Public Education and Transgender Rights
Chip Roy further expressed support for school vouchers while also criticizing the recognition of transgender rights in public schools. He cited a personal account of a friend dealing with a transgender music teacher and expressed disbelief at the state of current educational policies and their impact on public education.
Statement of Defiance
Roy concluded his address by questioning Congress’ support for Texas, arguing that it has not delivered on the promises laid out when the state joined the Union. He vowed to robustly defend the interests of his state against policies from Washington D.C. despite upcoming electoral uncertainties, expressing a staunch commitment to Texas state sovereignty.
The Republican from San Antonio came under fire from various quarters for the controversial statements made in his speech. The comments have ignited a heated debate on social policies concerning immigration, education, and transgender rights.
Reporter Information
The article is published by Elizabeth L. T. Moore, a Hearst Fellow based in San Antonio. She boasts extensive journalism experience, having written for Bloomberg News, The Virginian-Pilot, and The Daily Tar Heel amongst others. She has also received national recognition within the Hearst Collegiate Journalism Program and is fluent in Spanish.
