Cole Supports Bill to Defund President’s Executive Amnesty
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 240, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2015.
The legislation provides $39.7 billion in discretionary funding that covers immediate and anticipated needs for border security and enforcement, cybersecurity, disaster relief and emergency preparedness, the Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration and the Secret Service.
“I am pleased that the House voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security through the end of the fiscal year,” said Cole. “Especially in light of mounting threats at home and abroad, this legislation shows that lawmakers are committed to providing the resources and personnel for both our nation’s security and law enforcement needs. Remembering the devastating May 2013 tornadoes in the Fourth District and other areas across the state of Oklahoma, I am also pleased to see adequate funding allotted to disaster relief and emergency preparedness. ”
Final passage of the bill included five amendments that addressed the president’s unconstitutional plan announced in November that would grant executive amnesty to approximately 5 million illegal immigrants. Inclusion of these amendments blocks funding in the bill from being used for the president’s unilateral immigration action, denies funds for DACA applications and requires the greatest scrutiny and deportation priority to illegal immigrants guilty of sex crimes or domestic violence. The bill also includes language that condemns the Administration’s unilateral action that is slanted in favor of illegal immigrants and expresses the need for policy that helps American and legal workers.
“In addition to fulfilling our obligation to the American people by responsibly funding the government, the DHS appropriations bill passed in the House today prevents the president from using funds for his unconstitutional plan to grant executive amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. Last November, when he announced this plan, the president showed that he is not interested in working with lawmakers to find real reforms for our broken immigration system. Instead, he has chosen to act outside of the boundaries of his powers. I hope he reconsiders his non-strategy in the future and decides to work with Congress in solving issues with our immigration system. In the meantime, inclusion of these amendments keeps the president accountable to powers of the executive branch and prevents his overreach from becoming reality.
“While the House has acted responsibly today, our colleagues in the upper chamber must also demonstrate the same commitment to the American people and immediately vote on similar legislation to responsibly fund the government and keep the president accountable. I hope that lawmakers in the Senate keep the promise to the voters who elected them,” concluded Cole.
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Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165