Republican Congressman Steve King is among a group holding a six-hour-long press conference today (Wednesday) in Washington, D.C. to insist on securing the southern border before any reform of the immigration system. King is one of what’s been dubbed the “Gang of 70” in the U.S. House who’ve lined up in opposition to the immigration reform plan being touted by the “Gang of Eight” in the U.S. Senate.

King says it’s “dumb” not to realize a fence is needed all across the U.S. border with Mexico. During a recent interview with Glenn Beck, King said a “horse high, hog tight and bull strong” fence like Iowa farmers build would keep people on the right side of the border. King has long opposed what he calls “amnesty” for “law-breakers” who came into the country illegally. King says it’s time for opponents to “stand their ground now” to ensure immigration reform is never considered in the U.S. House.

King hints there may be retribution from House Republican leaders against him and the other Republicans who oppose immigration reform. King bills today’s event as the “longest press conference in the history of the U.S. congress” to make the argument against immigration reform. It began at 8 a.m. Iowa time. There will be a two-hour break over midday and then the event will resume at one o’clock Iowa time for another three hours.

(Radio Iowa)