Murkowski Supports Southern Border Emergency Supplemental Package

Statement

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today voted for a funding measure to address the immediate humanitarian and security crisis at the U.S. southern border. Since May, 2019, the average daily number of unaccompanied children in U.S. Customs and border Security has grown from 870 to more than 2,300. The emergency supplemental bill, which provides a total of $4.59 billion to address the border crisis, advanced out of the Senate Appropriations Committee on a vote of 30-1, sending it to the full Senate for consideration.

The bill addresses the increased influx of migrants at the U.S. southern border by providing additional funding for new immigration judge teams, as well as support for medical care, clothing, and other essential items for migrants. Provisions to help ensure the safety and welfare of children in HHS custody, such as ensuring shelters meet child welfare standards, are also included in the bill. The bill provides funding for Homeland Security Investigations, counter-human trafficking operations, and for background investigations and facilities inspections.

"It's imperative that we address the humanitarian needs arising out of the crisis along our southern border. This bipartisan bill will provide assistance to those that need our help: families, children, and law enforcement officers." said Senator Murkowski. "I'm glad that we were able to come to an agreement, on a measure that provides care for unaccompanied children, improves our ability to process asylum seekers, and ensures that detained individuals have adequate food, shelter, and medical attention. The overwhelming influx of families and children coming into America presents incredible challenges to our operations and facilities and places both asylum applicants and Border Patrol Agents at serious risk. It's our duty to provide border security professionals that are serving on the front lines with the support they need and to ensure that those seeking refuge in our nation are treated humanely."

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