Congresswoman Lawrence Statement on Passage of Omnibus Spending Bill

Statement

"The Democrats worked long and hard to send a unified statement that the needs of the American people must come before party politics. While the original Trump Budget prioritized big business and corporations, Democrats came together to promote domestic priorities that will benefit hard-working Americans and their families, while removing dangerous poison-pill riders targeting women's health, worker's rights, clean air and water. This bill also provides support for low-income housing, a significant increase in infrastructure funding including $ 1 billion increase for TIGER grants and an increase in salaries for federal workers. I am also very pleased about the funding to support studies on the implications of gun violence and efforts to improve background check records.

"Democrats were also successful in negotiating drastic reductions to the Trump/GOP Homeland Security plan. While Republicans requested $25 billion for a Wall, Democrats negotiated $1.6 billion for border security; restricting construction of the wall they wanted. Democrats successfully negotiated for no increase to detention beds from the previous fiscal year when the GOP's original request was for 12,000 new beds. Democrats were also successful in providing no funding for the request of 850 new ICE deportation agents, only a select number of supportive personnel. Also, there is absolutely no defunding of sanctuary cities. However, the Republicans continue with their broken promises in prioritizing a vote to address our broken immigration system, including protection of our Dreamers.

"Democrats have relentlessly continued to call the Republicans to honor their pledge and to support providing real protections for Dreamers, and Democrats are frustrated and disappointed with the GOP's unwillingness to reach an agreement on a solution. Our Dreamers are members of our American fabric and they deserve our full attention and consideration. The fight for Dreamers and a DACA solution is far from over, and I will continue to call for protections and a final resolution for these young people who have contributed so much to our society."

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