Norton, García, Espaillat, and Pressley Express Disappointment Continuing Resolution Doesn't Increase Funding for Emergency Food and Shelter Program to Assist Migrants

Press Release

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Congressman Jesús G. "Chuy" García (D-IL), Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) today expressed disappointment that the fiscal year (FY) 2023 continuing resolution (CR) does not provide increased funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) for humanitarian assistance to migrants. The members led colleagues in requesting that the CR provide $50 million above the enacted FY 2022 level for the EFSP for humanitarian assistance to migrants. The members committed to continue fighting for increased funding in the final FY 2023 appropriations bill.

"In a cynical political stunt that has exploited vulnerable migrants, the governors of Texas and Arizona have bused thousands of migrants to D.C., Chicago and New York City in the last several months," Norton said. "While we are disappointed that the continuing resolution does not provide increased funding for the EFSP for humanitarian assistance to migrants, we will continue to fight to provide this funding in the final fiscal year 2023 appropriations bill."

"While I'm glad that funding from this package has been rightly allocated to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, I'm disappointed that supplemental funding to assist asylum seekers and refugees in the Latin American region has been dismissed," said Congressman García. While conservative governors play political games, we have men, women and children who will not receive the shelter, food, and health care services they need. We are looking forward to robust funding in the December package."

"New York City is proud to be a safe haven for asylum seekers coming to the United States as refuge fleeing violence and persecution," said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "I share my disappointment with my colleagues to learn that the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (ESFP) received no supplemental funding in the fiscal year 2023 continuing resolution. The ESFP provides federal funding for food, shelter, and other supportive services to individuals and families experiencing hunger and homelessness. As MAGA Governors Abbott, DeSantis, and Ducey continue to play political games with migrant lives, the emergency infrastructure of sanctuary cities is being stretched thin. Those seeking refuge in the United States can rest assured that my Democratic colleagues and I are working tirelessly to secure the funding needed to provide humanitarian relief through EFSP, maintaining lifesaving services that help tens of thousands of people across the country."

"The ongoing exploitation of vulnerable families fleeing desperate and dangerous situations in their home countries is inexcusable -- their humanity should never be exploited," said Congresswoman Pressley. "We must respond with compassion and we must move swiftly to provide humanitarian assistance for these families. I remain committed to getting FEMA the funding needed to support those on the ground doing this lifesaving work and won't stop advocating for those necessary resources."

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