Poliquin Pushes Bill Requiring the Administration to Quickly Reunify Families, Stop Family Separation at the Border

Statement

Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) is cosponsoring legislation requiring the Administration to quickly reunite families separated at the border and to prevent any further family separations. The Family Reunification Act instructs the federal government to use all resources necessary and available to carry out this mission.

"As I've stated, I'm opposed to the policy of separating families at the border," said Congressman Poliquin. "While I'm pleased the Administration has taken action to address this policy, I understand there is more work to be done to ensure families remain together going forward and to reunify those families who have already been separated.

"I'm pushing legislation specifically directing and requiring the Administration to quickly reunify the families who have been separated. In addition, I stand ready to work with Democrats and Republicans in a bipartisan way in passing appropriate additional legislation, if it is needed, to provide the Administration with assistance from Congress.

"Meaningful immigration reform has been neglected by Congress for decades, under the leadership of both Democrats and Republicans, and I'm continuing to work to finally get that done. But, right now, the urgent matter at hand is making sure these families can remain together and working to reunify those who have been separated. There is no reason both can't be done."

The Family Reunification Act was introduced yesterday by Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02). It instructs the Department Homeland Security (DHS) to work in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reunite children recently separated from their families as soon as possible, using all resources necessary and available to do so.

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