Mary Landrieu

The goal of the U.S. Government Action Plan on Children in Adversity... is to achieve a world in which all children grow up with protective family care and free from deprivation, exploitation, and danger.

Everybody has been referring to the 2008 law, which I have also reviewed.

Demographics of Unaccompanied Children

I want to underscore that: 'Diplomatic efforts.'

I think we have to go back to the base law, which is the 1980 Refugee Act, which establishes the basic right of refugees to come to this country.

Child development is a cornerstone for all development and is central to U.S. and diplomatic efforts.

Unless we get at the issue of corruption, lack of transparency, lack of accountability, I do not think we are going to get very far.

Custody of children, title to property, any kind of way to stabilize a family is virtually nonexistent in these countries.

A strong family is the best protection against traffickers.

My days of sending money to governments that cannot conduct the simplest measures of accountability are over.

If those on the other side say it is not the law and it is other things, we also have to be careful how this money is allocated or we will just be putting good money after bad in some of these countries.

I think you and Senator Coburn, myself, and others on this Committee have a real obligation to try to really pinpoint, to the best that we can, what is actually causing this spike.

I think that is a very critical point.

Encouraging and empowering women is another piece to this, both economically.

I cannot tell you how important I think this hearing is, and this discussion back and forth just hit the nub at it.

I am really concerned about this, as all of us are.

I am glad that the President asked FEMA to step into this situation and try to sort out and give immediate assistance for the immediate crisis on the border.

The laws that are governing this, because there is some confusion.

So, who does have budgetary authority for the money that is spent now?

I think it is important for this Committee to, before we start getting opinions, et cetera, to try to get to the basis of the law.

The President is asking for a $3.7 billion supplemental, which came to Congress and the Appropriations Committee members

Since 1980, anybody that arrives at the shores... can seek asylum.

But, my concern, Mr. Chairman, is that I am fairly current and up to date on the very mediocre job that is being done in our own foster care system in the United States today.

I'm a strong supporter of the Jones Act.

This bill would accelerate revenue sharing payments to the State the year of its enactment and lift the arbitrary cap of $500 million.