- The Washington Times - Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Rep. Luis Gutierrez traded fiery jabs with television’s Sean Hannity in a recent broadcast, telling the Fox News host that cracking down on the border as a first priority counter-terrorism measure is futile.

Mr. Hannity asked Mr. Gutierrez if he would be willing to secure America’s borders before taking action against the Islamic State — and the congressman said no.

“No, because it would be folly and it would be derelict in my duty to protect America,” he said, Politico reported.

Mr. Hannity then made the point that that Islamic State terrorists could easily cross the border into America from Mexico, and that securing the border logically should take front and center policy priority.

Mr. Gutierrez replied, Politico reported: “[That] sounds good, but it isn’t an effective measure.”

Mr. Hannity then shot back that if “something” happens to upset America’s security, via an attack, then he will blame congressional members “for not doing their job,” he said, Politico reported.

“Because that helps your ratings every night, I get that part,” Mr. Gutierrez said, Politico reported. “I am here to protect America.”

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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