Statement by Gov. Perry on Congress’ Inability to Advance Border Security Legislation

8/1/2014

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House has abandoned a vote on legislation to address the immigration crisis on the border after tea partyers withdrew their support in a dispute over a separate measure on deportations.

Speaker John Boehner issued a statement Thursday saying the House would continue to work on solutions to the crisis.

His statement came shortly after the House postponed the vote on the final day before a five-week summer break.

In a last-ditch effort to win support, House GOP leaders had agreed to a separate vote on a companion measure that would have blocked President Barack Obama from extending deportation relief to any more immigrants living here illegally.

Conservatives wanted a tougher measure.

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Statement by Gov. Perry on Congress’ Inability to Advance Border Security Legislation

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on the failure of Congress to advance border security legislation.

“It’s beyond belief that Congress is abandoning its post while our border crisis continues to create humanitarian suffering, and criminal aliens still represent a clear threat to our citizens and our nation. While Texas has taken what steps it can to mitigate the damage caused by a porous border, Congress and the President have a duty to address our border security issues without further delay. Congress should not go into recess until the job is completed.”

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Statement by Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) 

I am strongly opposed to the Republican Border Supplemental bill. This proposed legislation strips due process rights from immigrant children and makes funds available to deploy the National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border. As of 5 p.m. Thursday, Republican leadership had not brought this bill to the floor due to a lack of votes by their own caucus.  Instead of going on a month long recess in August, Congress needs to stay to address this issue and work on a bill that truly addresses the root problems.
 
This bill should provide the needed resources to address cartel activity in Central America, Mexico and across the U.S. The bill should support Customs and Border Protection by providing them the necessary tools, technology and funding to increase the number of agents and support personnel.
 
Finally, the bill should fund the immigration court system to allow for speedier determinations pursuant to current law while protecting due process rights afforded to these children by the U.S. Constitution.

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Statement by Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (D-Mercedes)

"Simply put Republicans cannot get their act together and once again are making Americans pay for their mistakes. For years, my Republican colleagues have been ignoring the problems caused by their inaction on immigration reform.  They have cut funding for immigration judges so that people wait years to have their cases heard.  They have cut funding to help the countries of Central America deal with the internal problems causing their children to flee.  Their solution has always been more walls, more fences and more soldiers. Worst of all, they try to railroad a bill through Congress that is inadequate and a disgrace to humanity. Their bill did not offer enough funding to reimburse our communities. Their bill does not protect due process rights for children and juveniles fleeing the violence in Central America. Democrats have presented a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would address many of the issues we face today, but Republicans will not bring that bill to the floor. Instead of Speaker Boehner suing the President, we should sue the Speaker of the House for not doing his job. Now we will wait and see what Republicans have to offer on Friday."

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