Statement from Congressman Denny Heck Following the HHS Conference Call with Local Officials

Statement

Congressman Denny Heck released the following statement about the possibility that the Department of Health and Human Services could choose to temporarily house immigrant children from Central America in a vacant facility on Joint Base Lewis-McChord:

"I am thankful that my office was able to convene HHS and local government officials to discuss the humanitarian crisis we are facing and what it may involve from our community. Local government officials asked our office to help facilitate this conversation, and I am pleased that HHS was able to provide answers to our questions regarding local impact.

"During this conference call, HHS said that the evaluation of JBLM is still underway and a final decision has not been made. HHS assured local officials and me that if JBLM is chosen, government services on the municipal level will not be responsible for providing resources and HHS will take care of the children at this site temporarily while each case is evaluated.

"We still do not know if refugee children will be placed at JBLM, but we are encouraged that HHS will continue to consult local officials as well as my office about any plans moving forward.

"Whether at JBLM or other temporary locations, we can't ignore the ongoing influx of children fleeing conflict in their home countries. I am supportive of proposals to provide emergency supplemental funding to allow HHS and FEMA the ability to operate at a sustainable level to deal with this crisis."

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