WASHINGTON, D.C. — Both U.S. Senators from West Virginia voted in support of a $4.6 billion funding package for aid at the southern border.
Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin were among the 84 in the Senate that voted to pass, opposed to eight that voted no.
Capito, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that helped formulate this emergency package, spoke on the floor of the Senate before the vote.
“We may not agree on how we got here we got or how best to move forward but we agree there is a crisis. A major crisis and these resources are needed now,” she said.
Funding in the bill includes $2.8 billion for the Office of Refugee Resettlement within the Department of Health and Human Services, to care for migrant children and help place them with sponsor families quickly, minimizing the time in federal facilities as well as $1.1 billion for Customs and Border Protection.
In a released statement, Manchin said, “This problem at the border is bigger than party and I think we all agree it’s wrong to put children in inhumane circumstances. As a Christian and as a father I feel for these children and families. That’s why today I voted to pass the Senate’s bipartisan agreement to address the humanitarian crisis at our Southern Border. It’s impossible to make progress in any negotiation when both sides insist on getting 100% of what they want and I know it’s not easy but I am thankful my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee were able to come together and reach a compromise.”
Capito, calling it a humanitarian and security crisis at the southern border said after the passage in a released statement, “Today, we were able to pass a bipartisan solution that addresses the immediate needs at our southern border. As chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve repeatedly called for Congressional action, and I’m pleased we’ve moved forward.
“Democrats and Republicans were able to put aside differences and focus on humanitarian needs, providing much-needed relief for migrants and our law enforcement officers alike. Our work is not over. This crisis has highlighted weaknesses in our immigration laws, and we must close those loopholes to ensure we aren’t back here in the same situation again soon. But for today, I’m proud this bill has the support of the vast majority of Senators from both parties, and, most importantly, will provide meaningful help for those at the border.”