Diaz-Balart: House Democrats Pass a Partisan, Politically-Motivated Bill that Fails to Adequately Address the Humanitarian Crisis at the Southern Border

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after Democratic Leadership passed H.R. 3401, “Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019.”

“As I mentioned last week, supplemental funding is critically needed to address the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Despite the urgency of this matter, House Democrats have blocked the passage of this funding 17 times and have failed to work with Republicans on a bill that would provide desperately needed resources to overburdened federal agencies. Unlike the bipartisan bill advancing in the Senate, and just two days before the House adjourns for recess, House Democrats have passed highly partisan, politically-motivated legislation that does little to solve the problem.

“It’s unconscionable that this bill does not provide funding to investigate human traffickers smuggling children and does not provide additional funds to support immigration judges, courtrooms, and equipment. Overall, the House Democratic bill underfunds critical agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) – all agencies that are essential to addressing the numerous challenges continuing to mount while Democratic Leadership fails to produce an effective, passable bill.”