WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) issued the below statement upon the House of Representatives passing the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act (H.R.3401), as amended by the Senate.

“Eight weeks ago, the White House sent Congress a request for emergency funding to combat the humanitarian crisis at our southern border. For weeks, our Democratic colleagues in the House refused to work with us in good faith to fix anything,” said Rep. Austin Scott. “While I am glad to see this emergency funding pass today, we must continue to ensure law enforcement at the border and immigration officials have the tools needed to secure the border, process immigration cases and asylum requests, and meet humanitarian needs all while working to fix our immigration system and close loopholes that encourage migrants to make the dangerous journey through Central America to cross our border illegally. I am committed to immigration reform, and I will continue working towards policies that protect the homeland while welcoming immigrants that seek to come to this country through lawful channels to live, work, or study.”

Yesterday, the Senate passed an amended version of H.R.3401 with broad bipartisan support and sent it back to the House for final consideration. Earlier today, dozens of Republican Representatives took to the House Floor to request the amended legislation be considered. After increased pressure from House Republicans and a group of moderate Democrats, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi reluctantly ceased all efforts to block the package. The bill passed by a vote of 305 to 102 and was sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Key provisions of the legislation include:

• Funding for 30 new Immigration Judge Teams and funding for the Legal Orientation Program to educate detainees about the Immigration Court process and thus expedite Immigration Court proceedings.
• Emergency funding for expenditures related to the housing, transportation, and migrant medical care and consumables (clothing, baby formula, hygiene products, and other essential items).
• Increased resources for Homeland Security investigations counter-human trafficking operations.

A full summary of the Senate amended version can be found by clicking here.

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