On the recordJune 12, 2019
We have a disagreement. I don't believe this is the law right now. If it already is the law, then what is the big deal with supporting this amendment? All it does is reaffirm the law. I am surprised that we can't agree to it. I want to give you an example and a story of why this is so important. Last September, when Darlyn Valle died in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, news of this death was not revealed to the American public or Members of Congress until just a few weeks ago because of a CBS investigation. Darlyn Valle was 10 years old when she died while in ORR custody. She was in ORR custody in my hometown of San Antonio when she became gravely ill and staff sent her to the hospital. However, beyond those few details, we have limited information surrounding her death because the administration has decided to deny it to Congress, even after we asked the officials repeatedly about any injuries, abuse, or deaths on their watch. This amendment seeks to end this confusion and enhance transparency in our government. I want to repeat that again. Last fall, when we were asking this administration whether any child had died or been seriously injured in government care and custody, their answer was no. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
