Rep. Gooden Talks Border Security, Redistricting at Rotary Club
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Congressman Lance Gooden said the border is tighter, the mood is brighter, and the map of his district is changing.
Speaking to the Athens Rotary Club on Thursday, Rep. Gooden said Republican control of the House, Senate, and White House has shifted the tone in Congress and at home. What was once frustration among conservative voters has turned to optimism.
That change, he said, is tied closely to border security. Rep. Gooden pointed to the immigration bill passed earlier this year that expanded funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security, a move he said has dramatically reduced illegal crossings. Deportation efforts are ongoing, and the administration has pledged to continue removing those who entered the country during the Biden years.
On redistricting, Rep. Gooden said changes approved this summer added Anderson County back into his district while removing Wood County. He described the process as political, not racial, and noted that the Supreme Court has allowed map changes for political reasons.
He also touched on other issues, including the upcoming fight over government funding, U.S. support for Ukraine, cybersecurity, and military readiness.
“We are the greatest nation in the world,” he said. “We should never be in a position where we’re running low on anything.”
Rep. Gooden told Rotarians he spends about three nights a week in Washington during voting weeks and makes it a priority to be home on weekends. He closed by thanking local leaders and friends in the audience, adding that visiting Athens felt like being at home.
“I’ve known so many of you for so long,” he said. “It feels good to be back.”
