Sheila Jackson Lee: “This was a tough week for those of us who, as mothers, have a deep pain for the conditions of our children. It was a…”

“This was a tough week for those of us who, as mothers, have a deep pain for the conditions of our children. It was a difficult week because Mr. Ramirez and his toddler died trying to seek an opportunity in the United States. It was a difficult week because this administration rejected Mr. Ramirez from the Matamoros bridge and forced him to cross the Rio Grande. Today, I voted ``no'' for the $4.5 billion, moneys that I know are needed and that passed and were provided for those in need. If my vote was needed to pass the bill, I would have done so. But I am saddened by the fact that we passed a bill that does not have the strengthened protocols for treating the difficulties of children and their health needs: It does not have the provisions dealing with the quality of the treatment of the children, the sanitation and safety; It does not have the idea that children can only remain in a place for 90 days; It does not have the ability to have a program that talks about or puts in place how these children are treated as relates to their healthcare and other matters. So, I will continue to fight because these children's lives are important at the border and around the Nation, and we will get to a point where we can pass legislation that will treat these children who are suffering and fleeing in the right way. ____________________”