Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise in very strong support of the gentlewoman's amendment. The zero-tolerance experiment has been a tragic mistake. It has swamped U.S. Attorneys, U.S. Marshals, and district courts with low level nonviolent cases previously handled by DHS and, if necessary, immigration courts. It has also separated thousands of families and traumatized children and parents. Children may remain with parents in DHS custody, but they cannot follow them into jail, even for such misdemeanor charges. DOJ should focus on criminal gangs, human trafficking, and smuggling, most of which passes through, not between, the ports of entry. The zero-tolerance policy restricts seasoned prosecutors from pursuing serious crime and distorts priorities by requiring an unbalanced and inflexible approach. It is clearly not improving things at the border. Mr. Chair, I urge the House to adopt this very important amendment.”