Congressman Panetta Statement on the Passage of Emergency Humanitarian Aid Supplemental

SALINAS, CA – On Friday, June 28, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 3401, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act:

"During my recent visit to detention centers, facilities, and nonprofits in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California, I saw first-hand the overwhelming and under-resourced situation on our southern border.  Based on that evidence, I called for legislation for increased and immediate humanitarian aid for the numerous asylum seeking children, families, and adults who are now in our custody after fleeing violence, crime, and poverty in Central America. 

"Despite the appalling consequences of this administration’s policies and its failure to provide adequate assistance to address the issues pertaining to those in custody at our border, Congress needed to act as soon as possible.  Without any action or with any delay in action by Congress, the agencies responsible for caring for unaccompanied children and families who have flooded the border would run out of money within days and conditions for minors in U.S. custody would worsen.  That is exactly why the House of Representatives and Senate both passed, on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, emergency legislation to provide $4.6 billion in humanitarian assistance to protect asylum seekers of all ages arriving at our southern border.  I voted for the bill which passed the House on a 305 to 102 vote and the Senate on an 84-9 vote.

"While we didn’t get everything we wanted, the reality is that the nature of a divided government justifies a durable compromise between Congress and the administration. Compared to the initial proposal put forth by the administration, as well as the House version that would have been vetoed by the President, this compromise bill is a solid victory and the fastest way to get humanitarian assistance to the border.  The bill ensures that migrants receive humanitarian aid while having no new funding for migrant detention beds, has a strict prohibition on using the funding for a border wall or to bulk up immigration enforcement, and establishes new standards for facilities while also delivering funding for immigration judges and $30 million in grants to nonprofits caring for migrants.

"As a nation of laws, we are obligated to accept, process, and determine the validity of the claims of asylum seekers who come to our border.  As a nation of immigrants, we are responsible for compassion and the care of asylum seekers of all ages in our custody.  By passing this emergency humanitarian aid package, Congress is ensuring the enforcement of our asylum laws and, most importantly, upholding our values for those seeking asylum in our democracy."