Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2014

Floor Speech

Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2217, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2014. I remain firmly committed to the security of the United States and the Department's mission of ensuring our communities are safe and secure from terrorism and other threats. However, I have serious concerns about a provision of this bill that cause me to be unable to support it.

I am disappointed that the House adopted the controversial King amendment. This amendment offered by Representative Steve King will prohibit the administration from implementing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Children who were brought to the United States at a young age should not be penalized for the actions of their parents. These individuals, commonly referred to as DREAMers, may only know the United States and speak English. Deporting them to a country they may know nothing of, where they may not speak the language or know any relatives, is counterproductive to the principles that define our nation. I believe we need comprehensive immigration reform which addresses the issue of DREAM Act eligible youth and develops a framework for ensuring they can maintain a legal status in the United States. That is why, as a member of Congress who voted for the DREAM Act, I cannot support the King Amendment.

While I agree with the necessity of providing adequate resources to the Department of Homeland Security, due to the inclusion of this unnecessary and controversial ban on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, I am unable to support the bill.

Source