Pelosi Statement on Republican Supplemental Appropriation Bill

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on House Republicans' $659 million supplemental appropriation bill, which fails to adequately respond to the humanitarian crisis of unaccompanied children along the southern border:

"The humanitarian emergency along our southern border demands that we act in a way that honors our values as a nation, and respects the dignity of all people. We must treat the vulnerable children fleeing violence in their home countries with compassion.

"The Republican bill, however, fails to provide any resources for legal aid to unaccompanied children with legitimate refugee or asylum claims, and does not authorize enough judges to adjudicate the extensive backlog of cases. This proposal unacceptably seeks to change current law to weaken due process protections for these children, and places vulnerable children in an expedited process without counsel and with no right to appeal. It also poses a particular danger to child victims of gang violence and human trafficking.

"We must have a heart, and look into our souls to guide us in our treatment of these desperate children. While we are reminded of the critical importance of passing comprehensive immigration reform, we must do so much more than the Republicans' unjust and inhumane proposal."

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