DeLauro Statement at Markup of FY 2021 Homeland Security Funding Bill
DeLauro Highlights Assistance to Connecticut Homeowners
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) delivered the following remarks at the House Appropriations Committee markup of its fiscal year 2021 Homeland Security bill. DeLauro is the Chairwoman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. A video of DeLauro's remarks can be found here, and a video of the hearing can be found here:
First, I want to thank my dear friend Chairwoman Roybal-Allard for her dedication to a more humane immigration approach, keeping the Administration accountable and transparent, and keeping our country safe and secure.
I want to thank the Chairwoman for including bill language that will help homeowners in Connecticut and around the country to resubmit requests for assistance related to the removal of debris from an owner-occupied private residence or property for a major disaster. On May 15, 2018, the State of Connecticut was hit with tornadoes and supercell thunderstorms, leaving homeowners in New Haven and Fairfield Counties with tremendous damage to their homes and properties. The storm, which produced an F1 tornado, snapped 1,800 utility poles and downed 300 miles of power lines, leaving as many as 180,000 customers without power. And, there were sadly several fatalities.
While the President formally declared a state of emergency for New Haven and Fairfield Counties, the Trump Administration declined to offer Individual Assistance through FEMA. There are still homeowners in my district that face costs of up to $70,000 for debris and tree removal, which homeowners' insurance does not cover because in this instance it did not cause damage to their structure. This is unacceptable.
Finally, I want to thank the Chairwoman for including extensive report language that directs CBP to implement the basic standards of care outlined in the evidence-based, public health bill, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Custody Act, which passed the House in July 2019 with bipartisan support. I was proud to join Congressman Ruiz, who has been a vocal and tenacious advocate for achieving these critical standards, in leading more than 40 of our colleagues in requesting this language.
These standards include ensuring that every detainee in their custody receives an initial health screening by a medical professional and to provide appropriate health care, has access to not less than one gallon of water per person per day and three meals per day, and that every facility is well lit and well ventilated, with the humidity and temperate kept at comfortable levels. Our American values, moral conscience, and our constitution require us to treat all individuals humanely – these standards allow us to do just that.
I strongly support this FY2021 DHS appropriations bill and thank the Chairwoman for her leadership to ensure we are meeting the humanitarian needs of migrants and investing in smart, effective security and programs proven to keep Americans safe.