Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Floor Speech on TPS for Haitians

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) spoke on the House floor urging for a 3-year extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians. He called for swift action to protect families during ongoing crises in Haiti. The measure passed the House and waits action from the Senate.

REP. MEEKS: M. Speaker - I rise today in strong support of Representative Gillen's bill to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians until 2029.

It is frankly outrageous that it took Representative Pressley's bipartisan discharge petition to force this consequential vote.

The Administration and the Speaker failed to act, but today, Congress has the chance to make this right.

Because the American people recognize that our Haitian neighbors, from Miami to Boston to Queens, are not strangers, but integral parts of our communities, our churches, and our families.

The American people recognize that the conditions in Haiti don't just meet, but surpass the threshold for TPS.

We are talking about one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world where armed gangs control 90% of the capital, a public health system is nearing collapse, the justice system is almost non-existent, and 1.4 million people are internally displaced, fleeing from violence and hunger.

You don't have to take my word for it. Look at the U.S. State Department's own travel advisory issued under this administration. It says plainly, quote, "Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care," end quote.

So, we must do everything in our power to prevent further harm during this humanitarian crisis - and we can start by passing this bill.

There's a reason the words at the base of the Statue of Liberty read "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

It's because America is at its strongest when we stand for humanity here at home and abroad. I yield back.

Watch the full floor speech here.

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