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U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy of Louisiana said Wednesday that they had joined other Republican senators in sponsoring legislation to fully fund the southern border wall sought by President Donald Trump.

"This isn’t just about illegal immigration, and it isn’t just about stopping dangerous gang members from coming into our country," Cassidy said in a statement released by his office. "It’s also about stopping the flow of drugs coming across our border, killing Americans in communities across the country."

Kennedy said the legislation would pay for the wall by saving $33 billion by ensuring that illegal immigrants pay penalties and don't receive government benefits.

The bill initially was introduced in December. The sponsors introduced it again this month after the start of the new Congress. Also signing on to the legislation were Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma and Mike Rounds of South Dakota.

Kennedy said in December that Republicans are unlikely to get funding for a southern border wall through Congress.

Here's what other federal lawmakers representing North Louisiana have said.:

U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, a Republican, when voting for border wall funding in December: "Neglecting our responsibility and leaving nearly all border security funding decisions to Nancy Pelosi and her Democrat-led House next year is not what the American people sent us here to do. The House has now passed a measure that will avoid a government shutdown and ensure we are much closer to a secure southern border. Democrats’ feigned outrage is a cheap ploy to their open-border base. They say they want border security but refuse to fund it." 

U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, a Republican, also in December: "A border wall is vital to our national security to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, drug dealers, human traffickers and potential terrorists. The people have demanded it, and Republicans in Congress are working with President Trump to deliver it."