(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) issued the following statement on the humanitarian situation at the U.S.–Mexico border:

“I have the privilege of representing the residents of Houston and Harris County, one of the most diverse communities in the United States. As a community, we welcome newcomers from around the country and around the world. In fact, Harris County resettles about 25 of every 1,000 refugees the U.N. resettles worldwide, more than any other place in the United States.

“We believe in being a welcoming place, and in taking care of our neighbors—especially our neighbors in need. One of our finest hours was welcoming our neighbors from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. We saw that ethos again after Hurricane Harvey.

“What we are witnessing at the U.S.–Mexico border is an affront to the values we share as Houstonians, and as Americans. We are facing a humanitarian crisis at our southern border. People are fleeing situations and making difficult choices that are unimaginable to many. The root causes and potential solutions are complex. But the response to this suffering should not be.

“Every person arriving at our border must be treated with dignity and respect and a recognition of our common humanity.

“There is no doubt that we have complex border security and immigration policy matters to address. It is up to our government to work together to develop policy solutions and to implement them. But there is no circumstance in which the treatment of migrants we are witnessing may be countenanced while the policy solutions are debated.

“That is why last night I voted for H.R. 3401, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, which increases funding to provide humanitarian assistance for children and families at border facilities.

“Residents of Texas’ Seventh Congressional District want government that is efficient, effective, and ethical. Our treatment of those seeking refuge at our border fails on all three counts.

“I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring this treatment to an end and to addressing related policy matters with the seriousness they deserve.”