Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Votes Against DHS Funding Bill That Fails To Address Lawlessness of ICE, CBP

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted against the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, H.R. 7744. She introduced an amendment to H.R. 7744 to stop the rapid recruitment of unvetted individuals at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but Republicans blocked its consideration.

"The Homeland Security funding bill presented to the House today falls far short of addressing Americans' legitimate concerns about the Trump administration's increasing lawlessness and brutality," said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. "Democrats have demanded that the Trump administration follow the Constitution, have proposed a number of common-sense reforms, including my amendment to freeze hiring at ICE, and have offered legislation to fund other DHS agencies including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Coast Guard while negotiations on immigration enforcement activities continue. Republicans have rejected all of these measures, including complying with the Constitution. This year, Americans have witnessed immigration enforcement agents kill American citizens with impunity, and they are demanding better. House Republicans have so far refused to do better, and have instead presented the same bill I have voted against before.

"Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. To earn my vote, they must present a funding bill that meets the moment, curbs this administration's abuses, and demonstrates that no agent or agency of the United States government is above the law."

The bill passed the House by a vote of 221-209 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.