Kelly: Democrats Continue Failing Americans by Prioritizing Politics Over Border Security and Humanitarian Aid

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Democrats passed H.R. 3401, a supplemental appropriations bill they claim would address the crisis at our southern border. Representative Mike Kelly, R-Pa., opposed the measure, and released this statement following the vote:

President Trump and Congressional Republicans have repeatedly called on Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrats to take seriously the humanitarian and security crisis on our southern border. Instead, they again chose politics over good policy for all Americans, preferring to message to their base rather than find common ground with House Republicans, the Senate and the president. Until Speaker Pelosi finds it more important to solve this crisis than score political points, migrants and the American people will continue to suffer the consequences of her choices.

H.R. 3401 offers no additional funding to the Department of Justice for additional courts to process immigration cases. Nor does it provide for additional beds for migrants. These and other provisions will make it harder for the Department of Homeland Security to catch up and effectively manage the crisis. President Trump indicated that if H.R. 3401 were to be presented to him for signature, he would veto the legislation, signaling it has no chance of becoming law.

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a bipartisan $4.59 billion plan by a vote of 30-1, which indicates it likely has enough support to pass the chamber. Speaker Pelosi and her caucus have so far refused to consider that legislation.

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