Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, we don't even need to discuss the reasons why wasting funds on additional miles of wall is a bad idea. The amendment does nothing but make an ill attempt to invest in an ineffective and costly response to the challenges we are facing at the border. Furthermore, it also calls on the DHS Secretary to take action regarding the use of funds that Congress has already determined he does not control. While CBP is the primary agency responsible for the seizure of these assets at the border, the proceeds typically go into the Treasury forfeiture fund, which is managed by the Treasury Department. The allowable uses of these funds are defined in law, and there is an established process for which the Secretary of Homeland Security can make requests of the Treasury Secretary for a portion of these funds. A significant portion of the proceeds are necessary for the agencies responsible for storing and maintaining seized and forfeited assets and a series of other mandatory requirements. Requiring that all of the funds seized at the southern border be used for an ineffective, outdated border wall would create a problem with the execution of the fund, causing it to quickly become insolvent. I oppose this amendment, I urge my colleagues to do the same, and I yield back the balance of my time.”