Congressman Gonzalez Statement on House Passage of Emergency Border Humanitarian Aid Package that Will Reimburse Border Communities

WASHINGTON –On Tuesday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) issued a statement following the House passage of H.R. 3401, an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to address the humanitarian crises at the border:

"We desperately need a bipartisan solution to address the chaos the Trump Administration has caused on the border because of their obsession with wanting to build a wall at the cost to local communities," Congressman Gonzalez said. "This legislation provides relief to communities who have had no choice but to fill in the gaps for the federal government following the influx of migrants and offers critical relief and funding for our cities and non-profits on the front lines of this problem. We must act quickly and ensure that our efforts reflect our values and moral convictions as Americans."

Notable provisions in the $4.5 billion border package include:

• $60 million for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program to assist border cities like McAllen experiencing a significant influx of migrants and non-profits serving those communities;
• $934.5 million for processing facilities, food, water, sanitary items, blankets, medical services and safe transportation;
• $866 million to reduce reliance on influx shelters to house children;
• $200 million for an integrated, multi-agency processing center pilot program as recommend for families and unaccompanied children, with participation by non-profit organizations;
• $100 million for legal services for unaccompanied children, child advocates, and post-release services;
• $20 million for medical support;
• $15 million for the Legal Orientation Program to educate migrants about their rights and legal proceedings; and
• $9 million to speed up placement of children with sponsors and manage their cases.

The legislation also contains oversight provisions to hold the Trump Administration accountable and to protect the rights of migrants, including:

• No funding for a border wall or barriers, or for ICE detention beds;
• Prohibits the use of funds for any purpose not specifically described;
• Places strict conditions on influx shelters to house children by mandating compliance with requirements set forth in the Flores settlement;
• Protects sponsors and potential sponsors from DHS immigration enforcement based on information collected by HHS during the sponsor vetting process;
• Ensures congressional oversight visits to facilities caring for unaccompanied children without a requirement for prior notice;
• Requires monthly reporting on unaccompanied children separated from their families;
• Requires additional reporting about the deaths of children in government custody; and
• Ensures CBP facilities funded in the bill comply with the National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search.

For more information on the border aid legislation, the text of the bill is available here.