02.05.15

Hoeven: Bipartisan House Measure Fully Funds DHS, Blocks President's Executive Order on Immigration

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after a minority of senators again blocked debate and a vote on bipartisan House legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security:

“It’s important to understand that the bipartisan House bill that was again blocked from a vote today in the U.S. Senate would fully fund all of the crucial functions of the Department of Homeland Security, and at the same time, block the president’s executive actions on immigration, which exceed his authority.

“The bill would strengthen our border protection, bolster immigration and customs enforcement, enhance cybersecurity and provide new technology and tools to the men and women who protect the American people and our homeland. Importantly, the legislation would also reverse the president’s unilateral executive decision to defer action on approximately 5 million illegal immigrants, allowing them to live and work in the United States.

“Unfortunately, a minority of senators have again filibustered this bill, refusing to even to bring it to the floor of the Senate so that it can be debated, amended and voted on in regular order. As senators, we owe it to our constituents to consider and vote on legislation rather than simply accede to the decision of one individual. We will continue to press for a robust debate and vote on Homeland Security legislation that focuses on protecting the American people and American interests.”

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