Press Releases

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 21 and H.J. Res. 1, which are government funding bills put forth by House Democrats that do not include funding to secure our southern border:

“Achieving comprehensive security along our southern border is important to our national security. Unfortunately, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and Democrats in Congress, who supported border security before President Trump took office, would seemingly rather keep the government shutdown than come together to work on behalf of the American people. 

“President Trump has made clear that funding for border security – particularly a physical barrier along the border – is a priority, and that he’s willing to work with Congress to secure it.  He has also made clear that he will not sign legislation that doesn’t include this vital funding.  Before  the government shutdown orchestrated by the Democrats occurred, House Republicans voted on, and passed a bill that would have kept the government open, secured our southern border, and kept thousands of government employees from being furloughed. Regrettably, Senator Schumer and Democrats in the Senate decided to play politics and block consideration of this bill that would have averted a government shutdown.  So far, Democrats in Congress have refused any effort to negotiate with Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration to produce a government funding bill that President Trump can sign, placing their political interests ahead of the safety and security of the American people.”

Background

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said in 2009 that construction of hundreds of miles of fencing along the southern border made the border "far more secure" because it created a "significant barrier to illegal immigration."

"People who enter the United States without our permission are illegal aliens, and illegal aliens should not be treated the same as people who entered the United States legally," Schumer continued. "Any immigration solution must recognize that we must do as much as we can to gain operational control of our borders as soon as possible."

During a 2008 press conference, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA12) addressed illegal immigration and said “we certainly do not want any more coming in.”

“Do we have a commitment to secure the border? Yes. What are the options that we have available to us, let's make sure they work,” Pelosi said.

“Because we do need to address the issue of immigration and the challenge we have of undocumented people in our country. We certainly do not want any more coming in.”