WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) last night voted against H.R. 3401, the Democrats’ politicized attempt to address the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. In the last month, Rep. LaHood and Republicans in Congress made 17 requests for the House to vote on legislation to provide humanitarian assistance, operational support, and technology upgrades to address the crisis. Democrats blocked all 17 requests.
“There is no doubt that a humanitarian crisis is occurring at the southern border and Congress must act in a bipartisan manner to address the situation,” stated Rep. LaHood. “Unfortunately, the proposal put forth by Democrats is riddled with poison pills and falls short of the resources needed to address the crisis. Instead of playing political games, Democratic leadership should work with House Republicans, the Senate, and President Trump to provide the necessary resources to stem this crisis.”
The Humanitarian Crisis
- In May alone, over 144,000 illegal migrants were apprehended at the southern border, the highest total in 13 years
- In this fiscal year alone, 56,000 unaccompanied children crossed the southern border, a 74% increase from the year before
- On May 29th, a single group of 1,000 migrants were apprehended by Customs and Border Protection, the largest on record, which doubled the previous record set on May 27th
Democrats’ Proposal
- House Democrats’ proposal falls short of the resources needed to address the humanitarian crisis
- Denies the Department of Health and Human Services from modifying their policies, even if they support child welfare, related to individuals sponsoring undocumented children
- Underfunds Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Cuts overtime pay for ICE officers
- Fails to provide funds to investigate human traffickers who smuggle individuals across the border
- Provides no funds to support National Guard or military personnel who are sent to the border to support the aid efforts
- Does not expand funding for further immigration judges or equipment used in courtrooms
- Requires the State Department to provide funding to Central American countries even if those countries fail to meet requirements to stem the flow of migrants
- This legislation will not be brought forward in the Senate or signed into law by President Trump
Bipartisanship is Needed
- 57 days ago, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border
- In the last month, Republicans in the House requested, on 17 separate occasions, a vote on legislation that would provide:
- $3.3 billion for humanitarian assistance including care for children in custody, transportation, and expanded shelter capacity
- $1.1 billion for resources to combat human trafficking
- $178 million for technology upgrades and law enforcement payments
- Each time a vote was requested, House Democrats denied a vote
- Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $4.59 billion to address the border crisis by a bipartisan vote of 30-1
- It’s time Democrats in the House work with President Trump, the Senate, and House Republicans to address the humanitarian crisis at the southern border
