Rep. Velazquez Issues Statement on Trump Administration Diverting Money From Disaster Relief to Fund Family Incarceration

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, issued the following statement regarding the news that the Trump administration will siphon resources from Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund to fund its family incarceration policy:

"Just as we approach the height of the Hurricane season and as Dorian barrels toward Puerto Rico, we learn the Trump Administration plans to steal money for disaster relief to finance its coldhearted persecution of immigrants.

"Not only does this fly in the face of Congress' constitutionally mandated power of the purse, but it is morally reprehensible.

"If this policy is implemented it will mean that millions of American citizens may not receive desperately needed assistance in the wake of a natural disaster.

"I will work with my colleagues through every available avenue to stop such a wrongheaded move."