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May 01, 2019

Chairman Thompson Statement on the Emergency Supplemental Budget Request

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on President Trump’s emergency supplemental request to Congress to appropriate an additional $4.5 billion toward border efforts:

“House Democrats understand that there is a humanitarian crisis at the border, and we stand ready and willing to provide necessary resources to help fix this challenge and alleviate the suffering of thousands. But this crisis is one largely of the Trump Administration’s own making, and we will not appropriate more funds that will add to the chaos and make the problem worse. We cannot forget that this Administration has acted in bad faith when it comes to all issues related to the border.

“As it stands, this request holds a number of non-starters – such as doubling down on the Administration’s cruel and failed policies including mass detention. There is no reason to lock up thousands who pose no threat, especially in an already-strained system. Many aspects of the request cannot be met in good conscience, but House Democrats look forward to working with the Senate and the Administration on addressing the continuing humanitarian crisis.”

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Media contact: Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978