Humanitarian Standards

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we learned of two Facebook groups in which CBP agents made hateful comments about the women, children, and asylum-seekers under their custody and, therefore, their responsibility.

This kind of racism, xenophobia, and violent misogyny is unacceptable. CBP must be held accountable to end these shameful comments and the cruel, inhumane treatment of children in their custody.

We can't simply fund supplies and expect a behavior change. That is why I am grateful to Homeland Security Committee Chairman Thompson and to Chairman Nadler and Chair Lofgren of the Committee on the Judiciary for holding a markup of my bill, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CPB Custody Act, to ensure our treatment of children, women, and families is consistent with the principles of basic human dignity.

My bill sets the basic standards we need to create a comprehensive public health approach to the humanitarian challenges at our border. Together, we are moving this bill forward to prevent children from dying and restore humanity to our treatment of children under the custody and responsibility of the Federal Government.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source