Lastly, the inclusion of $1.6 billion for the
continued construction of a failed, divisive, and anti-
environmental wall along the southern border of the United
States would be the latest example of inserting harmful,
controversial and even radical policy proposals onto spending
bills, which undermines the legislative process and the
already complex budget process. This bill reflects a set of
values that is not shared by the American people--one of
clean air and clean water, one of equity and prosperity, one
of safety and security. Border Wall Provisions
The border wall is a powerful symbol of hatred toward
immigrants and undermines the civil rights of communities
along our southern border, and it would increase the
environmental and natural disaster risks to border
communities, harm wildlife, and waste billions of taxpayer
dollars on an ineffective border security tool. The current
proposal would lead to the construction of 60 miles of new
border wall to be built in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas,
including levee-border walls and 2.9 miles built within the
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is home to
diverse wildlife species, ecotourism opportunities, and rich
natural beauty. When levee-border walls are constructed, they
negatively impact wildlife migration, pose severe flooding
risks, destroy natural habitats, and can increase the risk of
wildlife extinctions occurring. In order to construct
existing border walls, dozens of laws protecting our
environment, public health, and sacred natural lands were
waived. Our nation's natural habitats, vibrant wildlife, and
healthy ecosystems are an unacceptable sacrifice to make for
ineffective security measures. Water Provisions
The Energy and Water Appropriations division includes
damaging policy riders and report language in contravention
of regular order.
Keywords matched
Border Wall border wall border security immigrants