July 12, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 117 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       LIGHTS FOR LIBERTY VIGILS

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                         HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 12, 2019

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Madam Speaker, as thousands take part in vigils across 
Oregon, the U.S., and the globe, I rise today in strong opposition to 
the Trump administration's inhumane detention policies. These policies 
and practices have led to families being ripped apart, children dying, 
and a shameful chapter written in our nation's history.
  That's why I voted for the House-passed bill which had strong health 
and safety requirements for care of unaccompanied minor children, 
tightened restrictions on detention shelters, created accountability 
for contractors violating essential standards at detention shelters, 
and more. Instead, the Republican-controlled Senate stripped these 
essential reforms from the bill. Congress ultimately passed the weak 
and flawed Senate version.
  I voted against this toothless legislation. If we don't address this 
crisis head-on with proper oversight standards and commitment to 
holding this administration accountable, nothing will change and people 
will continue to suffer. That is unacceptable.
  Make no mistake, we can't solve the problems at our border if we 
don't address the reasons that so many individuals are fleeing their 
home countries. The Trump administration's plan to cut aid to countries 
like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras will only make the situation 
worse, likely increasing violence and government dysfunction. Instead, 
we should be investing in a plan similar to the Marshall Plan after 
World War II to restore safety, stability, and promote economic 
opportunities in Central America.
  We must act--now--to get serious about reforming our broken 
immigration system by passing bipartisan, comprehensive immigration 
reform. This is the only course of action that will allow us to protect 
these vulnerable individuals while also producing real, long-term 
solutions to our immigration crisis.

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