OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

Floor Speech

Date: June 12, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Immigration

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Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chair, I thank Congresswoman Shalala for her work and this timely amendment to add $10 million for critical services for children for things like legal services, child advocates, counseling, and mental health services.

There is a humanitarian catastrophe at the border today. In San Diego, we see the kids and families who have traveled a long and treacherous path, but when they arrive, they are met with inhumane living conditions. ICE and CBP facilities are overcrowded, and it hardly gets better once the families are released.

Refugee resettlement agencies and the local governments have been the primary providers of these support services. The influx of families have left shelters overburdened and community resources strained.

The San Diego community has stepped up to meet this need when the administration has not, but these extra funds will protect families and ensure that all who claim asylum get the due process they are guaranteed under international law.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

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