Yoho Votes in Favor of Border Security

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Florida, issued the following statement:

Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) released the following statement after voting to keep the government open and fund border security:

"I applaud our leadership for finally bringing border security to the floor. After weeks of negotiations with my Republican colleagues and the Trump Administration, we in the House took the proper step of amending the Continuing Resolution that the Senate passed last night and adding funding for a secured border and disaster relief. These additions are hugely important to my constituents back home and to the citizens across this great nation.

"It is clear to me that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are placing politics over security. It is unacceptable that national security is being used as a bargaining chip when we all agree that securing our borders is what every American needs and wants. The first job of the federal government is to provide for the national defense. Securing our border is national defense.

"Additionally, this bill contains $7.8 billion in relief to address disasters like Hurricane Michael which hit Florida earlier this year. My colleagues and I have worked for months after this terrible storm destroyed lives and livelihoods throughout the South in order to secure the funding that is in this bill today.

"We have done our job in the House. Now it is time for Senate Democrats to do theirs. Fund border security and fund disaster relief. This is not the time to simply kick the can down the road for a future Congress to handle. Do the jobs you were elected to do."