Rep. Hunter unaware of funding cut
IMPERIAL — On June 10, a Salute to Law Enforcement event was held at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds here.
With the support of Don Floyd and his family, who organized a raffle and an auction, the event raised funds to be donated to the Imperial County Historical Society, which in turn will distribute resources to local families.
All Imperial Valley law enforcement agencies were invited to the event.
The event was also attended by Republican Rep. Duncan D. Hunter Jr., son of the former federal legislator of the same name who represented Imperial County in previous years.
Hunter is seeking re-election next year within a district located in San Diego, so the event was also used to raise funds for his political campaign.
Hunter was accompanied by his father who garnered greetings and hugs from guests, friends and family who also took pictures with the lawmakers.
In an interview, the Republican Congressman said he did not know that the funds for the construction of the second phase of the Calexico West Port of Entry expansion have been denied by Congress.
“I did not know, but let’s find out. It is very likely that the President’s money will be used in other areas, but we will investigate, “he added.
When President Donald Trump released his 2018 federal budget it did not include funding for the second phase of the port of entry expansion.
The $4.1 trillion budget spends $469 billion on defense in the next 10 years and ads another $2.6 billion for border security technology.
When questioned about the construction of the border wall, which the federal government seeks to build in this region, Hunter was in favor of the project.
“It works in San Diego and we want it to stay that way. In particular we want to end terrorism, we do not want to happen what is happening in Europe, it is very important to know who enters our country … and that should be for any country,” he said.
According to the federal legislator, governments of different nations should know what people are doing, that is, whether they are going on vacation, looking for work, or if they are going to create attacks like terrorists do.
As to whether statements made by former FBI Director James Comey will affect President Donald Trump, Hunter responded that the former official’s words are only his own.
“I do not think that affects him (the President). One of Comey’s statements was that at no point was Donald Trump under investigation, and then he called Trump a liar,” Hunter said. “I do not think it’s okay that after your boss says goodbye to your job, you broadcast it on TV and you still assure it’s slander.” The federal lawmaker asserted that the President has done the right thing, adding that it has been the media that have been conjuring the White House scandals.
“I do not believe in political scandals, that’s my opinion. I feel that Congress is the one that is holding the President, he is trying to do the best, he was elected by the people, Congress is the one that does not support it, “he said.
Finally, on the future of the Imperial Valley, the Congressman said that it is the residents who must decide how far the region can reach.
“It’s a very beautiful place. I grew up here. There is a lot of housing construction (where) companies build at very low prices and that is very good. The people are the ones who must move to make things happen and not wait for Congress to decide.”