Speaker Johnson personally read the law to Biden on border crisis, and he reveals why Biden refuses to take action

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) admitted Friday that he believes White House staff — not President Joe Biden — are making decisions about Biden's immigration policy.

Last weekend, Biden promised to "shut down" the border only if Congress passes a controversial bill — which has not yet been drafted — that Republicans believe will do little to stymie the migrant crisis. However, Republicans like Johnson have been urging Biden to use the authority he already possesses to alleviate the crisis.

In an interview on Fox Business, Johnson revealed how he knows that Biden is aware of that authority: because he has personally read the law to Biden.

"He knows that he has the authority. We've documented it for him. I've read to him the law — myself — to the president. Read him the provisions of the law and said, 'Mr. President, please take action,'" Johnson said.

"I don’t think he's allowed to do it. I'm not sure Joe Biden is actually making these decisions. I think it's staff around him, and they're pushing him to keep the border open," the speaker speculated.

Earlier this week, Johnson listed some specific authorities that Biden could use on the border.

"Here are just a few of the authorities at his disposal — if only he would use them: Presidential Authority to Restrict Entry 212(f), Expedited Removal 235(b)(1), Discretionary Detention Authority 236(a), Mandatory Detention 236(c)," Johnson explained.

Additionally, Johnson has said Biden can use the Immigration and Nationality Act, end catch-and-release, cease exploitation of parole authority, reinstate the Remain in Mexico program, and expand expedited removals.

The White House, however, disputes that Biden can take any action, which is why Biden demanded that lawmakers "just give me the power!"

Meanwhile, as the president apparently sits on his hands and a small group of bipartisan senators negotiate a bill that will probably never become law, the House has already passed H.R. 2, which Johnson has said will provide real solutions to the crisis.

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