Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement after voting in favor of legislation to address the crisis at the United States’ southern border:

“Today, after negotiations by many lawmakers including Representatives Bob Goodlatte (VA-06), Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Raul Labrador (ID-01), and Steve King (IA-04), the House of Representatives passed a bill to address the influx of unaccompanied children illegally entering the United States at our southern border.  Many of these children are 16 and 17 years of age.  This bill, as with most pieces of legislation, is not perfect.  But it represents a step forward in alleviating this crisis.”

“Importantly, this legislation would allow Customs and Border Control to conduct enforcement activities federal lands and wildlife refuges near southern border.  Border control specialists have told Congress this is one of the tools they need in order to help curb the illegal border crossings.  It also would allow for search-and-rescue operations on these lands.”

“This legislation provides additional funds for border security and law enforcement, and funds to speed up judicial proceedings.  It prioritizes reuniting children with their families in their home nations, and also seeks to stop illegal human trafficking, particularly in regards to the sex trade.  The money spent under this bill pairs with cuts in other federal programs, resulting in no additional spending.” 

“And later this evening, we are expecting to vote on a plan to stop President Obama’s Deferred Action (DACA) scheme.” 

“I believe that one of our top priorities ought to be defending America’s borders and enforcing our laws, not bending over backwards to accommodate those who break them.  I am of the view that proposals allowing illegal immigrants to simply come into the United States and stay here without consequence undermine our national security, encourage more illegal immigration, and are unfair to law-abiding legal immigrants as well as those legitimately working their way through our immigration system, as is appropriate.  It is clear to me that this crisis is what happens when you have a border that is not secure, and an Administration that willfully chooses to ignore and refuses to enforce the laws of the United States.”

“I encourage the Senate to pass legislation to deal with this crisis and work with us to sort out any differences, so we can send an agreement to the President for signature.”

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