Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, immigration enforcement is a Federal responsibility. Local law enforcement is not and should not be the long arm of ICE. And if it is perceived to be the long arm of ICE, it is going to be very difficult to work with the community to do what needs to be done for local law enforcement and community protection. The end result would tear entire communities apart, would greatly hinder the ability of local law enforcement to effectively do their job. Furthermore, this amendment has no place in the T-HUD appropriations bill. The employees of the Department of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development are not law enforcement. They do not routinely need to interact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This amendment would insert unnecessary controversy into the bill. It does nothing to improve transportation. It does nothing to provide housing for vulnerable Americans. It doesn't change existing law, nor does it change the way HUD and DOT programs are administered. The underlying bill has enough challenges as written without adding something of this moment and this divisiveness. So I urge defeat of this needless and partisan distraction. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.”