Lucille Roybal-Allard: “It is difficult to understand how a Make America Secure Appropriations minibus does not include the bill for the…”

“It is difficult to understand how a Make America Secure Appropriations minibus does not include the bill for the Department of Homeland Security which is responsible for security at our borders, security in the coastal maritime environment, security for air and surface transportation, security of cyber networks and critical infrastructure, and helping State and local jurisdictions prepare for, prevent, and respond to terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Instead of including the entire DHS funding bill in the minibus, the majority is expected to use a second rule to insert just one part of that bill--funding for the President's border wall--ignoring much more pressing and immediate security needs. Furthermore, because the Department has failed to submit to Congress a required report laying out the long-term plan and justification for border infrastructure, Members of Congress are unable to responsibly evaluate the long-term border security strategy and comprehensively assess its costs, benefits, and trade-offs. Given this enormous $1.6 billion initial price tag, Members should, at a minimum, have the opportunity to vote on it separately and in the context of the entire Homeland Security bill. I submitted an amendment to prohibit the use of funds for border wall construction, and I hope the Rules Committee will make it in order.…”