[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 130 (Thursday, September 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN AT THE SOUTHWEST BORDER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2014

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, every so often, we have the chance to take 
action that affects how the world as a whole sees the United States.
  We have the chance to decide what our country stands for, and what we 
want to mean to the world.
  Today is one of those chances.
  The United States has long stood with those who are fleeing 
persecution and violence.
  We've stood alongside them, so they know they're not alone.
  We've stood behind them, to give them the ability to make a new life 
here.
  And we've stood up for them, to make it clear that there is no place 
in this world for the atrocities that drive people to leave their 
homes.
  That's who we are and what we do.
  We don't put all our efforts into making it easier to send people 
back.
  We don't say, ``Sorry, we'd rather score political points than try to 
help you.''
  So why would we start now?
  Why would we turn our backs on people--children--who have endured 
unimaginable struggle and danger to come here for the chance at not 
just a better life, but a chance at life at all?
  That's what this is about--it's a life or death situation for these 
children.
  We need to look beyond politics and partisanship to something 
bigger--principles.
  And let one of those guiding principles be that we will be there when 
we are needed.
  We will respond not with hatred and vitriol, or with inaction and 
delay, but with empathy and support.
  To do anything less is beneath us--not only as Americans, but as 
human beings.

                          ____________________