On the recordFebruary 11, 2019
The clarity that I would like to offer is that none of us should tolerate any shutdown of the government or ever holding our Federal workers hostage to policy debates, and that is for my colleagues and friends on the other side of the aisle and for this administration. But I think in all fairness, the clarity on the question of detention beds is to make sure that the criminals are detained and to make sure that women and children, like little 9-month-old Roger, have alternative housing. That is the debate. But that debate can go on and go on beyond holding the government hostage and our workers hostage. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to introduce the fact that I am establishing the Congressional Children's Caucus, as we have done every year since I have been here. Our focus is for better quality of life for children, not only in this Nation but around the world. One of the priorities will be hunger amongst children here in the United States and around the world. It is noteworthy that children do go to bed hungry here in the United States, and it is important that we support the food nutrition programs and the lunch, breakfast, and dinner programs in our public schools. We must ensure that this Nation protects its children. ____________________
