OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards Act

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 26, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care Immigration

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Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3525.

Yet again, I fear that this partisan legislation is a missed opportunity to seriously address the humanitarian and security crisis that exists today on our southern border.

All of us here today can agree that every human being is worthy of dignity and respect.

As a physician, I understand the importance of efficient and compassionate healthcare. At the same time, I understand firsthand how difficult it would be to achieve the requirements that are outlined in this bill.

Establishing an electronic health records system in any medical system takes at least a year, in the best case scenario. In the bureaucratic web of the Federal Government, this tedious task becomes nearly impossible.

For years, Members of this House have been working to help the Department of Veterans Affairs implement its electronic health records system, yet the VA won't have this completed for another 9 years.

Quite frankly, requiring the Department of Homeland Security to implement an interoperable electronic health records system for illegal immigrants in 90 days--it is simply unrealistic.

Adding to the problem, this costly project would distract from other pressing needs on the border. Our Customs and Border Protection law enforcement agents are hardworking Americans who have been tasked with an incredibly difficult job.

While protecting our country on the southern border, they are also providing humanitarian aid to an unprecedented number of immigrants. They need our help. They do not need Congress to add unnecessary and unachievable burdens to their duties.

It is disappointing, but it is not surprising that House Democrats have chosen this approach. Time and time again, we return to the floor to debate partisan bills that will do nothing to address the underlying cause of this crisis.

Rather than continuing to grandstand on the House floor, I encourage my colleagues to, once again, return to the Committee on Homeland Security to work on solutions that will secure the border, end asylum loopholes, and protect our country.

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