McCollum Statement on Appropriations Committee Passing FY 2020 Homeland Security Funding Bill

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) today joined House Appropriations Democrats in voting to approve the FY 2020 Homeland Security funding bill, which provides $63.8 billion in smart, targeted investments in border security, ensuring state and local governments have resources to prepare for and respond to manmade and natural disasters, securing our physical infrastructure and cybersecurity systems, and protecting our federal elections, while rejecting the Trump administration's harmful anti-immigrant agenda.

The bill includes provisions important to Minnesotans and the American people:

• Cyber Security: The bill includes $2 billion for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), an increase of 25 percent above the requested amount, to defend our nation's infrastructure from increasing cyber and hacking threats.
• Disaster Response: The bill includes $18.9 billion for FEMA, with robust increases in funding to keep local communities safe, improve first responder preparedness capabilities, and protect public transit systems; the bill also includes $375 million to fund firefighter assistance grants.

• Protecting Migrants: The bill provides no funding for additional border barriers and prohibits the diversion of other funds for the president's border wall. It also prohibits Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from removing sponsors of unaccompanied children based on information provided by the Office of Refugee Resettlement as part of the sponsor's application to accept custody of the child.

• Coast Guard: The bill includes $12 billion for the Coast Guard, with significant increases to support the workforce and invest in critical marine and air assets. It also provides $135 million for the second Polar Security Cutter.
• TSA: The bill includes $7.9 billion for TSA – $279 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $581 million above the request.
• Tribal Homeland Security: The bill includes $15 million for the Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP) within the State Homeland Security Grant Program, to help tribes continue to develop their homeland security and emergency management capacity.

"Keeping our borders, ports, airports, and cyberspace safe and protected requires investment in Homeland Security and the men and women with an important job to do," Congresswoman McCollum said. "Unfortunately, the Trump administration has politicized border security, choosing instead to emphasize a policy of cruelty over a comprehensive strategy to address the humanitarian crisis in Central America and Mexico forcing migration.

"This funding bill reflects our commitment to defending our national security while remaining true to our American values. I'm pleased the bill protects travelers, invests in border security measures that protect the rights of migrants, and boosts funding for tribal homeland security and emergency management."

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