Washington, Feb 17 -

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce announced today that he will host House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) for a tour of New Mexico’s international border next Thursday, February 23. The new House floor leader will join Rep. Pearce and Homeland Security Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) in conducting roundtable discussions in Columbus with local sheriffs, police chiefs, district attorneys, and small business owners regarding what the federal government must do to strengthen border security.

Following their meetings in Columbus, the three lawmakers will travel along the border from Columbus to Santa Teresa. Rep. McCaul is spearheading the House investigation of border incursions by the Mexican military or their imposters.

“Steve Pearce continues to serve as an active – and essential – voice in Congress on matters of border security,” Leader Boehner said. “As the only member of the Homeland Security Committee who represents a congressional district on the Mexican border, his leadership will help guide us as we address this crisis.

“I look forward to providing Leader Boehner and Congressman McCaul with the opportunity to hear the concerns of our local leaders in law enforcement and small business,” Rep. Pearce said. “As they direct House consideration of border security and immigration reform legislation during the coming months, they will be able to draw upon their fresh memories of the people on the front lines of the border crisis and their stories. They will also have seen just how open and vulnerable New Mexico’s border remains.”

Rep. Pearce and Rep. McCaul will be available to speak to the media briefly following the meetings outside the Columbus Community Center at 11:15am MST. Rep. Pearce and Rep. McCaul will also conduct a more extended media availability outside the Santa Teresa Border Crossing at 1:00pm MST.