June 26, 2019

MANCHIN VOTES FOR $4.6 BILLION TO DEAL WITH CRISIS AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) voted today on the floor to pass the bipartisan Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border. This funding is in response to the President’s request in May for $4.5 billion in emergency funding to respond to the humanitarian and security crisis at the southern border.

“This problem at the border is bigger than party and I think we all agree it’s wrong to put children in inhumane circumstances. As a Christian and as a father I feel for these children and families. That’s why today I voted to pass the Senate’s bipartisan agreement to address the humanitarian crisis at our Southern Border. It’s impossible to make progress in any negotiation when both sides insist on getting 100% of what they want and I know it’s not easy but I am thankful my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee were able to come together and reach a compromise,” Senator Manchin said.

The Senate bill includes $4.6 billion in supplemental funding to deal with the crisis at the Southern Border.  Language included in the bill requires the President to use the funds as they have been appropriated and not shift them to other priorities.  Funding in the bill includes:

  • $2.88 billion for the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to care for migrant children and help place them with sponsor families quickly, minimizing time in federal facilities.  This funding also includes:
    • $8 million to facilitate case management for unaccompanied children and speed up placement with sponsors
  • $1.34 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to improve conditions at the border and alleviate overcrowding and CBP facilities that have led to inhumane conditions for the men, women, and children in U.S. government care.  This funding includes:
    • $1.1 billion for Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
    • $209 million for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including:
      • $20 million for alternatives to detention
    • $30 million for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide grants to nonprofits who care for migrants released from CBP custody
  • $220 million for the Department of Justice (DOJ), including:
    • $65 million for the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) to improve and expedite the asylum process through an additional 30 immigration judge teams, courtroom space, and funds for the Legal Orientation Program
  • $145 million for the Department of Defense (DOD)

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