WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Jahana Hayes released the following statement regarding President Trump signing the remaining appropriations funding bills for FY 2019, and his subsequent declaration of a national emergency to allocate additional funds aimed at construction of a border barrier. The bipartisan deal ensures the federal government remains funded until September 30.
“Last night I voted for a bipartisan, bicameral bill which secures our borders and will keep our government open. The bill includes:
- $1.375 billion for physical barriers.
- $415 million for enhanced medical support, transportation, food and clothing for migrants in detention, particularly children and families.
- $884 million increase for the Transportation Security Administration.
- 1.9 percent pay raise for federal civilian workers.
- $3.8 billion in the census to ensure a fair count.
- $3 billion for state and local communities to address the opioid crisis, closing sexual assault kit backlogs and hiring more police officers.
- $17 billion for new infrastructure support for roads, bridges, highways, railways and mass transit.
- $8.8 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency.
“In addition, Congress aims to strengthen America’s global leadership through funding for initiatives like security assistance for allies and Food for Peace.
“I am disheartened to hear that President Trump is circumventing this negotiated agreement and would prefer instead to declare a national emergency that will usurp and defy the will of Congress – a coequal branch of government – to fulfill a campaign promise. It is the job of Congress to allocate funding and President Trump should not initiate this power grab of declaring an emergency where one does not actually exist.”