U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) and U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) recently traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border to ascertain how much federal funding is needed to deal with the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis there.
“While I am relieved that Congress provided desperately needed emergency aid earlier this summer, members in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle must continue to work together to ensure those serving on the front lines have the resources they need to compassionately confront the crisis and keep our citizens safe,” said Rep. Cole, ranking member of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.
During their visit to the border, Rep. Cole said that he “was grateful to observe the situation and hear directly from those monitoring and managing the various humanitarian and security needs.”
Sen. Capito, chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, said that because the full Senate Appropriations Committee soon will start marking up this year’s government funding bills, it was important for the lawmakers “to see firsthand how funds are being used to manage the border crisis and the evolving needs.”
“The dedicated Homeland Security personnel we met with are doing the best they can to deal with an ever-changing situation, but it’s clear that they need more support,” Sen. Capito said. “We worked with President Trump to secure an emergency supplemental, but there is still a lot that we need to address. I am committed to delivering much-needed support and hope to provide more sustainable solutions to make sure these men and women have the resources to secure our borders and continue enforcing our immigration laws effectively and humanely.”
Sen. Blunt, chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, noted that the group toured several facilities in the Rio Grande Valley to meet with officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
“The president’s efforts with Mexico to address the crisis at the southern border are making a tremendous difference,” Sen. Blunt said. “I hope we will continue to work with Mexico on the immigration issues facing our two nations.”