Border Emergency Supplemental Package Passes Senate
Murkowski Votes in Support of Funding to Address Humanitarian Crisis at U.S. Southern Border
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) recently voted in favor of The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act of 2019. The bipartisan package provides a total of $4.59 billion to address the humanitarian crisis at the United States’ Southern Border, including funding for Health and Human Services, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Justice Department, and the U.S. Military. The legislation passed the Senate by a strong bipartisan vote of 84-8.
“We cannot stand idly by as the situation at the southern border continues to escalate. We must increase the resources available to assist migrant families and U.S. professionals at the border, and we must do it quickly,” said Senator Murkowski. “I applaud the Senate for passing this comprehensive, bipartisan legislation which will help provide for the safety and welfare of federally detained men, women, and children, while also ensuring the homeland security professionals are equipped with the workforce and resources necessary to address the massive influx of individuals crossing our border. The funding from this bill will increase the legal workforce that helps process incoming migrants, support post-release services and child advocates, and improve border facilities by ensuring those that are detained have access to water, food, shelter, and medical services.”
BILL HIGHLIGHTS:
- AIDS UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN: The bill provides additional support for the Department of Health and Human Services’ Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) program, allowing the agency to expand its shelter capacity, to help address the substantial rise in unaccompanied minors at the U.S. Southern Border.
- PROVIDES FOOD, SHELTER, MEDICAL SERVICES: The bill provides additional support for FEMA’s energy food and shelter program, including to reimburse states, local governments, and non-governmental. It also supports the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in establishing and operating migrant care and processing facilities. Services include court proceedings, medical care, transportation for medical needs, and non-governmental organizations for care of homeless migrants.
- INVESTS IN JUSTICE WORKFORCE: The bill allocates additional funding for expenses related to detainees in the custody of the U.S. Marshals, such as housing, transportation, and care. The bill allows for the hiring of additional Immigration Judge Teams-- attorneys, paralegals, law clerks, courtroom administrators, and other additional staff—as well as funding for the purchase or lease of immigration judge courtroom space and equipment.
