Crenshaw Stands Up, Takes Action to Address Southwest Border Crisis

Statement

Congressman Ander Crenshaw directly addressed the nation's Southwest border crisis by voting on Friday, August 1 to pass House legislation (H.R. 5230) that takes immediate steps to strengthen border security, enforce immigration and customs laws, and provide funding to speedily return unaccompanied minor children and immigrant families to their home countries. The measure passed by a vote of 223 to 189.

Additionally, Crenshaw will vote to pass House legislation (H.R. 5272) to prohibit the Obama Administration from expanding its flawed immigration policy known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA was created in 2012 by an Obama Administration executive memo and effectively halted removal proceedings for undocumented children who entered the U.S. before June 15, 2007. H.R. 5272, the House legislation that is expected on the House floor later in the evening of August 1, prohibits federal funding from being used to continue or expand DACA and prevents illegal immigrants from being authorized to work if they are not in a lawful status.

Crenshaw, a member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement:

"Thousands of children and families are placing themselves in harm's way to illegally enter our country. It's a humanitarian and national security crisis of dire proportion brought on by the President's policies of dangerous incentives and false hopes. The situation demands the immediate action contained in the emergency legislation passed by the House.

"The surge at our border is proof that the border is not secure, and, in my book, that is the first correction that must be made. The House bill takes the steps that are needed now to strengthen the border and enforce existing law.

"Moreover, the $694 million House bill is drastically less than the Senate's $2.7 billion and the President's $3.7 billion plans. And, unlike the Senate's and President's proposal, the bill is fully offset and will not result in new or additional spending.

"If the President won't stand up and say people who illegally enter our country will be returned home, then the House of Representatives will. Doing nothing is not an option. As Congress

continues its work to stop illegal immigration, let me be crystal clear that I stand 100% opposed to amnesty for those who are here illegally."

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