Tyler Reporter

Lance Gooden, a U.S. Congressman representing Texas' 5th district, recently expressed concerns on social media regarding the salaries of CEOs of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in border activities. Gooden's tweets highlight the financial compensation these leaders receive and question the allocation of taxpayer money to support their salaries.

On February 12, 2025, Gooden tweeted about NGO CEOs facilitating what he described as an "invasion" at the southern border. He stated: "Did you know that the CEOs of NGOs facilitating the invasion at our southern border are raking in massive salaries? While American citizens struggle to make ends meet, these leaders’ salaries are subsidized by your tax dollars, all while they funnel illegals into our…"

In a subsequent tweet on the same day, Gooden focused on Becca Heller, CEO of the International Refugee Assistance Project. He noted: "The International Refugee Assistance Project CEO, Becca Heller, is pulling in $336,807 annually. Why is taxpayer money going to support hefty salaries of those who worked with Joe Biden to create the border crisis?"

Continuing his critique on February 12, 2025, Gooden mentioned Rick Santos, CEO of Church World Service. He remarked: "Church World Service CEO, Rick Santos, boasts a base salary of $338,596, but with benefits, his total compensation skyrockets to $384,968. Every American should question how much of our taxpayer money is being funneled into organizations actively working against our national…"