Walorski Statement on Funding Bill

February 15, 2019

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) Thursday released the following statement after the House passed legislation to fund the government and provide $22.5 billion for border security:

“I voted for this bill because it keeps the government open and takes critical steps toward securing our nation’s borders. Republicans were able to secure $22.5 billion for border technology, barriers, and personnel, including funds to build 55 miles of new wall, and we stopped a radical proposal that would have set violent criminals free.

“I’m disappointed that the stubborn refusal of Democrats to fully support reasonable border security measures has forced the president to use his executive authority to address this crisis. Ultimately it is up Congress to fix our broken immigration system and secure the border. I’ll be at the table working to find commonsense solutions, and I urge Democrats to put extremism aside and do the same.”

BACKGROUND

The House passed H.J. Res. 31 by a vote of 300 to 128. President Trump is expected to sign the bill.

• Provides $22.5 billion for border security technology, surveillance, physical barriers, personnel, and ICE detention beds.

oIncludes $1.375 billion to build 55 miles of new wall where it is most needed on the southwestern border.

oDoes not include a proposal by Democrats to cap the number of ICE detention beds, which would have forced ICE to release dangerous criminals from custody.

• Increases funding for federal law enforcement to combat terrorists, espionage, drug traffickers, gangs, and violent criminals.
• Increases assistance to state and local law enforcement through the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, STOP School Violence Act, Violence Against Women Act programs, Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, and Missing and Exploited Children Programs.
• Provides $3.3 billion for U.S.-Israel security assistance.
• Requires the U.S. Trade Representative to establish a product exclusion process for the third round of section 301 tariffs on imports from China. Walorski previously called for an exclusion process, leading a bipartisan letter to USTR Robert Lighthizer.
• Requires the Commerce Department to improve the product exclusion process for the section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and provide quarterly reports to Congress.
• Combats the opioid epidemic by investing $468 million Justice grant programs to support prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement.
• Maintains existing pro-life provisions, including rejecting attempts to rescind the president’s expanded Mexico City Policy.
• Invests $72.6 billion in improving and maintaining our nation’s transportation infrastructure.

Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.