On the recordJanuary 15, 2019
Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.J. Res. 27, a continuing resolution providing funding through February 1. I support the goal of reopening the government. There are many critical programs that are on pause which are important to my constituents and all of us, programs like TSA, Border Patrol, Coast Guard, and air traffic controllers. Unfortunately, the bill we are considering today will not restart those programs or help our districts. That is because it is not a comprehensive solution to resolve the government shutdown and fully address the security and humanitarian crisis we face on our southern border. Criminals, terrorists, and drugs are flooding our shores. Tens of thousands of children, many of them without their parents, make the dangerous trip to the United States every year. I have been to the border and to Central America, and I have heard the heartbreaking stories. This situation is unacceptable and it must be addressed. We can and we must do better. Madam Speaker, again, I share the concern that parts of the government remain closed and employees are not yet being paid, but moving this bill across the floor will not fix the problem. To put it simply, there is not a bipartisan consensus on this plan. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
