[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 17, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                  Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 1551

  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, I rise today, as I have and will continue 
to do until we find a resolution to this issue. I rise to advocate for 
a solution to address the issue of securing our border and protecting 
those young immigrants impacted by an uncertain future in the DACA 
Program.
  Last month, I offered legislation to extend DACA for 3 years and to 
provide 3 years of increased funding for border security--this so-
called 3-for-3 plan. Unfortunately, some of my colleagues have 
repeatedly chosen to block this measure from coming to the floor, but 
the President's decision to send National Guard troops to the border 
displays a continued interest to secure the border. To take care of 
that aspect, this bill would provide significant resources to do just 
that, to help secure the border, at the same time protecting these 
young immigrants from possible deportation.
  I am the first to admit this solution is far from perfect, but it 
provides a temporary fix for these critical problems and will provide 
all sides of the debate with just enough of what they want. It is a 
compromise. It would begin the process of funding the President's plan 
to improve border security and, as I mentioned, ensure DACA recipients 
will not lose protections and face possible deportation.
  These young immigrants were brought here through no fault of their 
own. They have waited long enough for these protections. Likewise, 
border communities, like in my home State of Arizona, have waited long 
enough for increased security along our southern border.
  As I have said before, we in Congress have too regularly confused 
action with results and have been entirely too comfortable ignoring 
problems that are just actually tough to solve. We may not be able to 
deliver a permanent solution to these problems at this time, but we now 
have an opportunity to offer at least some action on them. There are 
many people whose lives and well-being depend on our ability to deliver 
meaningful results.
  Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the 
immediate consideration of Calendar No. 300, H.R. 1551. I further ask 
that the Flake substitute amendment at the desk be considered and 
agreed to, the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and 
passed, and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon 
the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Arkansas.
  Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  If no one yields time, the time will be charged equally.
  The majority whip.