Yvette Herrell: “I rise because I am concerned about the release of aliens into my community without COVID-19 testing. Dr. Miller-Meeks'…”

“I rise because I am concerned about the release of aliens into my community without COVID-19 testing. Dr. Miller-Meeks' changes to this legislation are vital to protecting Americans from the spread of COVID-19. As our Nation continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, our State is still largely locked down, our schools are shuttered, and many of our businesses have been closed due to orders from State and local officials. In many areas along the border, the CBP has restarted catch and release in the midst of this unprecedented pandemic. This is completely illogical, especially while American citizens continue to live under such restrictions. In fact, again, I can point to a double standard. Madam Speaker, it is very unfair to think that we want to do something to protect these young families, these unaccompanied children, when we know for a fact that they are coming across the border at the age 1, 3, and 5 alone, without any supervision. We know for a fact that they are being raped and pillaged along the way. And if we feel that is somehow a benefit to the children, let alone being exposed in coming into this Nation with COVID, then we are fooling not only ourselves, but, again, the American people. We aren't just putting the immigrants in harm's way, but also the American people. Madam Speaker, we should be more mindful of what is happening. This is a health pandemic we are living in. This is a crisis.…”