Velázquez on the “Keep Families Together Act”

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced today that she has officially cosponsored legislation, H.R. 6135, the "Keep Families Together Act," a measure to end family separation at the U.S. border. The bill is the House companion to legislation introduced by Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) earlier this month. Velázquez made the following remarks:

"Earlier this week, I joined Leader Pelosi and Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in visiting several detention centers near the U.S. border in San Diego. What we saw was appalling. The Trump Administration's recent policy shift has led to children being ripped from their mother's arms. This is quite literally child abuse.

"Donald Trump could stop these atrocities, right now, with one phone call. Instead, this week, we have watched the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security lie to the American people about the Administration's role in creating this crisis and then miscast blame at Congressional Democrats.

"Today, I am proud to join Ranking Member Nadler in introducing legislation that would provide an immediate legislative remedy to this problem. As Donald Trump created this crisis, he should end it. Until then, we will continue pushing this legislation, which, if the Republican Leadership would allow to be enacted, would resolve this issue immediately."

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