Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the crisis along our southwest border during the ongoing public health emergency. Last year, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General released a report titled ``DHS Needs to Enhance Its COVID-19 Response at the Southwest Border.'' The DHS OIG findings highlight what Republicans have been saying for 7 months, that U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not conduct COVID-19 testing for migrants who enter CBP custody and is not required to do so. Further, the report notes that without stronger COVID-19 prevention measures in place, DHS is putting its workforce, support staff, border communities, and all communities and migrants at greater risk of contracting the virus. It is our responsibility in Congress to ensure that our frontline workforce, including the brave men and women of CBP, who put their lives on the line daily, are adequately protected. More than 6 months ago, I introduced my first piece of legislation, the REACT Act, which would require the Department of Homeland Security to test all migrants illegally crossing our border who they plan to release into our communities. In March, I offered to bring the REACT Act to the floor for a vote, but it was rejected by the majority. Simultaneously, we are seeing the majority prepare to spend $3.5 trillion, mortgaging our children's and grandchildren's futures. Let's be clear that none of the money in this tax-and-spend package would go to CBP.…”