Congressman Burgess Owens urges GOP unity behind Trump-led reconciliation, praises new border bill and criticizes Biden pardons talk

Congressman Burgess Owens said Republicans must coalesce behind President Trump’s plan for reconciliation and push to pass the legislative package, while defending the GOP’s new border measure and criticizing President Joe Biden’s consideration of preemptive pardons.

“We're gonna take the leadership through the, the leader of our of our country. And president Trump has has a way he wants to approach it,” Owens said, adding that despite a “very small majority” Republicans have a mandate to deliver a workable package. He said the party must work together to “make sure the packs we put together works for everybody and ... get signed off by the president of the United States.”

Owens defended the Republican border bill referenced on the program, which he identified as the Lake and Riley Act, and said lawmakers who oppose measures aimed at removing criminal noncitizens should face political consequences. “How can we protect American people? How can we make sure the bad people are kept out of our country? … Those who vote against that, there should be a price to be paid,” he said.

On the subject of preemptive pardons discussed on the program — including names floated publicly such as Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci — Owens criticized Biden’s handling of his presidency and said he would not be surprised if Biden pursued pardons. “He’s abused his power for 4 years,” Owens said. “So should we be surprised if he he does this?” He added that any pardon would leave “a stain” if granted because, in his view, the recipients have acted against the country’s interest.

Owens framed the current moment as an opportunity for the Republican Party to expand its coalition. He said the party must offer a unifying message to groups he named — “blacks, Hispanics, Jewish, Muslims” — while pursuing an “America First” agenda under President Trump. He repeatedly emphasized the need to translate campaign promises into enacted policy.

The interview included back-and-forth questions from hosts prompting Owens on how reconciliation might be structured and how many bills could be involved, but Owens focused on party unity and the need to deliver a signed package. No formal legislative text beyond the name of the border measure was discussed on air and no votes or official actions were taken during the interview.

Owens closed by reiterating optimism that, with Republican leadership and cooperation, the party can deliver on its agenda. The interview ended without specific legislative timelines or procedural commitments from Owens.