Rep. Lofgren Votes to Pass Funding Bill that Provides Humanitarian Assistance to Migrant Children and Families at U.S. Border

Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Chair of the House Judiciary's Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship, voted for a $4.5 billion emergency funding bill that would provide humanitarian assistance to migrant children and families in U.S. custody at the southern border. Following today's vote, in which the U.S. House passed the appropriations bill, Rep. Lofgren offered the following statement:

"The abuse of migrant children and families in U.S. custody could and should have been avoided," Rep. Lofgren said. "When border officials remove children from inhumane conditions only after they were revealed in media reports, it is troubling. Nevertheless, additional funding is needed to make sure migrant children and families have their basic needs met, including clean water, healthy food, and appropriate shelter. This bill includes language that ensures these dollars are used for this and other humanitarian assistance only and may not be diverted to ICE for enforcement actions."

Rep. Lofgren has served as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary's Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship since 2007, is the granddaughter of immigrants, and has taught immigration law at the Santa Clara School of Law. Last month, Rep. Lofgren was instrumental in ensuring the Dream Act had the votes necessary to pass the House.