Press Releases

Edwards Denounces House Republican Bills to Address Humanitarian Situation on Southern Border

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2014



Washington, DC – Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) released the following statement today denouncing two House Republican bills to address the humanitarian crisis on the southern border. Both bills, H.R. 5230 – a supplemental appropriations bill related to the humanitarian situation at the southwest border and H.R. 5272 – “No New DREAMers Act,” passed the House.

“House Republicans have once again decided that they would rather cater to extremists in their own party than work with Democrats. Sadly, minor children, frightened, fleeing violence, needing protection, and deserving due process are the ones who will be hurt the most.

“As a mother and legislator, I know that we should be compelled to act as a matter of humanity, but also as a matter of law. The problems on the border require solutions, not political gamesmanship. Republicans have rejected one solution – comprehensive immigration reform – to address the problem. They’ve rejected another solution – the request of the president for a supplemental appropriation that includes resources for judges, legal representation and services for minor children, and assistance to the countries of origin.

“House Republicans did not stop there. Now they are punishing children – dreamers – who only know this country as their own. House Republicans have offered draconian measures that relegate immigrants to second-class status while doing nothing to solve the problem of an immigration system that simply does not work.”

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