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Pelosi Statement on President’s Supplemental Appropriations Request

July 8, 2014

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the President's request for $3.7 billion in emergency funding to address the surge of unaccompanied children crossing our southern border, and for $600 million to fight wildfires:

"The scope of the humanitarian need presented by the thousands of unaccompanied children crossing our southern border requires Congressional action. To protect the health and well-being of these vulnerable children, Congress should move immediately to meet the President's request for emergency funds.

"The additional funds are essential to ensure the safety, security, and proper care of the children fleeing violence in their home countries. Our border security agencies are doing their best to stretch limited resources. The supplemental appropriation will provide additional border security resources as well as funds to assist with processing immigration cases, while guaranteeing all appropriate due process. Our values as a nation and our basic human compassion for children require this much.

"As we address the situation along the border, and the wildfires affecting dozens of communities throughout the west, it is my hope that Congress will act in a serious, speedy and bipartisan manner."

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