Adriano Espaillat: “I thank the gentleman from Texas. Madam Speaker, back in 1987, then-President Ronald Reagan issued one of his most…”

“I thank the gentleman from Texas. Madam Speaker, back in 1987, then-President Ronald Reagan issued one of his most famous speeches--``tear down this wall''--as he addressed then-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to insist that he open the barrier dividing East and West Berlin. It was, perhaps, one of the most exciting times as we watched to see, finally, if the Cold War would end. It was a moment of hope and strength and character that propelled our country to a higher regard and standard of our identity throughout the global community. Today, in stark contrast to that famous speech given by President Ronald Reagan, President Trump orders the construction of a $25 billion wall that divides communities, separates families, and perpetuates fear and hate. It sets a dangerous precedent and fails to elevate our country and confidence abroad the way it was back when President Reagan gave that famous speech. The economic ramifications will be devastating to the entire country, going as far north as New York City, because it is $25 billion or more that will be spent on building this wall that could otherwise go to other meritorious projects. These executive actions also secure what I call insecure communities, not Secure Communities--a program that strains relationships between law enforcement and communities along the border and throughout that region of our country. We live in a global society and are connected with countries and citizens from around the world.…”