The Two American Indian Congresswomen React to Spending Bill Passage and Declaration of Emergency

Published February 16, 2019

WASHINGTON — After the vote on the spending bill that averts another federal government, the two first American Indian women ever elected to Congress issued the following statements:

Rep. Deb Haaland

Rep. Deb Haaland (New Mexico-01) 

“After we funded the government saving thousands of New Mexicans from suffering without a paycheck and funding WIC, SNAP, and important environmental protections, we have our next battle to fight: the President’s attempt to declare a national emergency along the border and continued crusade to build his deportation force.

“Make no mistake, this Administration’s treatment of asylum seekers is abhorrent and goes against everything we hold dear in this country. During my trip to the border last weekend, I saw children separated from their parents whose lives will be forever changed by this trauma. Never did the border feel unsafe, and it is by no means a national emergency.”

“As we move forward, House Democrats will hold the administration accountable for any attempts to increase detention or inhumane treatment of immigrant families. I will fight against President Trump’s senseless emergency declaration and for a comprehensive approach to fix our broken immigration system that recognizes the humanity and dignity of the people seeking a better life in our country.”

Rep. Sharice Davids

Rep. Sharice Davids (Kansas-03)

“While not perfect, the funding package I voted for is a good bipartisan, bicameral compromise that keeps our government open, funds smart and effective security at our borders, and funds many other important investments in our communities like new infrastructure, job-creating initiatives for economic development, and the Violence Against Women Act. Instead of accepting the compromise agreed to by both parties, the President has said he will circumvent the Constitution and the core principle of separation of powers in an attempt to build his ineffective wall with money that is intended for the military and to help us after natural disasters like tornados and flooding. It is dangerous to national security and it’s dangerous to our democracy.”