Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a budget provision that would have directed the state’s National Guard to assist Texas in its efforts to enforce a state law allowing officials to arrest migrants suspected of crossing into the U.S. illegally. This move by Kelly was in response to Republican legislators’ attempt to give the National Guard a border mission to support Texas in its partisan fight with the Biden administration over immigration. Despite the veto, top Republicans in the Kansas House are considering whether they can muster the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto.
In her veto message, Kelly emphasized that border security is a federal issue and suggested that the budget provisions encroached on her power as the Kansas National Guard’s commander in chief. She stated that it is not the Legislature’s role to direct the operations or call out the National Guard, especially without proper consultation and coordination. Republicans nationwide have shown support for Texas in its legal battle with the Biden administration, and Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson acknowledged that the $15.7 million earmarked by Kansas for the effort would primarily serve as moral support for Texas.
Legislators in Kansas reconvened after a spring break and are scheduled to wrap up their work for the year soon. Masterson argued that the state constitution gives legislators the authority to pass laws to give directions to agencies under the governor’s control. He criticized Kelly for being tied to the Biden administration and lacking motivation to support efforts to address the immigration issue. Earlier this year, the Kansas House and Senate passed resolutions expressing support for Texas, despite concerns from Democrats about the constitutionality of Governor Abbott’s stance and its impact on creating a humanitarian crisis.
Republicans in Kansas are seeking to override Kelly’s veto, but the outcome is uncertain as the provisions were included in a budget bill, requiring a two-thirds majority in both chambers. The House Majority Leader, Chris Croft, stressed the importance of exploring all options available to support border security, assist fellow states, and ensure the nation’s safety. The ongoing debate in Kansas reflects the broader political divide on immigration issues across the country, with Republican-led states like Texas receiving support from conservative lawmakers while facing opposition from Democrats at both the state and federal levels. The outcome of this border mission dispute in Kansas will have implications for the state’s involvement in enforcing immigration laws and its relationship with the federal government.
