Cárdenas Urges Senate to Approve Critical Aid Package to Address Humanitarian Crisis at American Border
WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the House passed an emergency aid bill to address the humanitarian crisis at the American border. The aid package provides $4.5 billion in emergency spending to fund priorities including food, water, sanitary items, medicine and medical service, support services for unaccompanied children and other additional resources.
“Last night, my colleagues and I approved critical humanitarian funding to help with the life-threatening situation at the border,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas. “We did our job, now it’s time for Senators to do their duty. I urge the Senate to put aside political differences and quickly approve the House-led bill. We cannot wait. Children are dying.
“Make no mistake, the situation at the detention centers are a direct result of the Trump Administration’s failed immigration policy of family separation which are still being carried out today. Overcrowding and life-threatening conditions have made the facilities uninhabitable. We have a responsibility to protect the health and lives of the children and people fleeing for their lives. This is a time to put aside politics and fulfill our American obligation.”
The $4.5 billion emergency funding bill contains more than $1 billion to shelter and feed migrants detained by the border patrol and nearly $3 billion to care for unaccompanied children. On Friday, The New York Times published an article detailing the dire situation at the border. The story highlighted the horrific conditions of United States detention centers housing immigrants and refugees.
Last week, the House passed a $1 trillion spending package that includes four bills that fund and invests in education, housing for homeless veterans, nutrition programs, and energy research.
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