Dems Push to End Family Separation at the Border
Thirty-two Senate Democrats on Friday came together to introduce legislation to keep immigrant families together and prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from separating children from their parents at the border. The Keep Families Together Act was developed in consultation with child welfare experts to ensure the federal government is acting in the best interest of children. The bill is being led by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and co-sponsored by Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bob Menéndez (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), among others. The legislation follows a letter sent by 40 Senate Dems on Thursday to Donald Trump calling on him to end the practice. In the letter, the Senators ask the administration to “rescind this unethical, ineffective, and inhumane policy and instead prioritize approaches that align with our humanitarian and American values.” On the House side, members Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) led a group of 108 Democrats calling for Congress to say that no DHS budget funds can be used for family separation. Their efforts face an uphill battle in a GOP-controlled Congress.More here.