2024: Fitzpatrick Voted For The 2024 Border Security Package. In
April 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to Congressional
Quarterly, "the bill that would require the Department of Homeland
Security to take a number of actions to limit illegal immigration into
the United States, including by resuming construction of the "border
wall" along the southwestern border, bolstering Customs and Border
Protection, reopening border detention facilities, and limiting asylum
applications and eligibility. The bill would not mandate the use of an
E-Verify system for employers to confirm workers' immigration status
and eligibility to work in the U.S. It would provide $9.5 billion in
grants to border states for physical barriers and to reimburse law
enforcement agencies or the National Guard for immigration enforcement
expenses." The vote was on passage. The House rejected the bill by a
vote of 215 to 199. [House Vote 143,
4/20/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/20/24;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
3602]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Condemn The Biden-Harris Administration For
"Failing To Secure The Border." In July 2024, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the "the resolution, as
amended, that would state that the House of Representatives strongly
condemns the Biden administration and Vice President Kamala Harris for
failing to secure the U.S. border. It states that the continuation of
the administration's border policies would harm the American people."
The vote was on adoption of the rule. The House adopted the rule by a
vote of 220 to 196. [House Vote 400,
7/25/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/24/24;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
1371]
2024: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted To Condemn The Biden-Harris
Administration's Border Policies. In July 2024, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the "adoption of the rule
(H Res 1376) that would provide for floor consideration of the
resolution (H Res 1371) condemning the Biden Administration and Kamala
Harris's failure to secure the U.S. border. The rule would provide for
up to one hour of debate on the measure. It would provide for the
automatic adoption of the Roy, R-Texas, amendment making various changes
to the resolution's preamble." The vote was on adoption of the rule. The
House adopted the rule by a vote of 210 to 202. [House Vote 392,
7/24/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 1/17/24;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
1376;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
1371]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Removing References To Biden In
Legislation Regarding The Impact Of The Border On Law Enforcement. In
May 2024, Fitzpatrick voted against , according to Congressional
Quarterly, "amendment no. 6 that would strike a provision in the
congressional findings section that states 'The southwest border crisis
created by the Biden Administration has made every state a border
state.' It also would strike each instance of 'Biden' from the bill."
The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 197 to 213. [House Vote
214, 5/16/24;
Congressional Quarterly,
5/16/24; Congressional
Actions, H.Amdt.
916;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
8146]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Condemn The Biden Administration's Border
Policies And The "Tremendous Burdens" The Policies Placed On Law
Enforcement. In May 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to
Congressional Quarterly, "the resolution that would condemn "the open
border crisis that President Joe Biden, 'Border Czar' Vice President
Kamala Harris, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
Alejandro Mayorkas, and other Biden administration officials have
willingly created along the southwest border,' and 'the tremendous
burdens law enforcement officers face as a result.' It would stipulate
that 'United States law enforcement officers are bravely facing dangers
and challenges every day that are exacerbated by the unprecedented
crisis at the border, which affects the entire country,' and 'recognizes
and sympathizes with law enforcement officers in the United States who
have suffered through the mental, physical, and psychological stress
associated with the lack of support, trust, and respect they face in our
country today.' It would urge the Biden administration, and state and
local elected officials 'to encourage and support dedicated law
enforcement officers so those officers can protect the homeland, their
cities, counties, or states, and restore law and order.'" The House
adopted the resolution by a vote of 223 to 185. [House Vote 202,
5/15/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/15/24;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
1210]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Denounce The Biden Administration's Border
Policies. In May 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to
Congressional Quarterly, "the resolution that would affirm that
President Joe Biden's executive actions have created the ongoing 'border
crisis,' including by abusing migrant parole authority and stopping the
Trump administration's southwest 'border wall' construction, and
denounce the Biden administration's 'open-border policies.'" The vote
was on passage. The House passed the resolution by a vote of 223 to 191.
[House Vote 176, 5/1/24;
Congressional Quarterly,
5/1/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/1/24;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
1112]
2024: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted To Denounce The Biden
Administration's Immigration Policies. In April 2024, Fitzpatrick
voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the rule (H Res 1137)
that would provide for floor consideration of [...] the resolution (H
Res 1112) denouncing the Biden administration's immigration policies
[...]. The rule would provide for up to one hour of debate on HR 529,
H Res 1112, H Res 1117 and HR 7888." The vote was on the rule. The House
adopted the rule by a vote of 213 to 208. [House Vote 113,
4/12/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/12/24;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
1112;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
1137]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Denounce The Biden Administration's
Immigration Policies. In March 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according
to Congressional Quarterly, "the resolution that would denounce the
Biden administration's immigration policies and affirm that the
administration has the authority to end 'catch-and-release,'reinstate
migrant protection protocols and detain inadmissible migrants, among
other authorities. It also would affirm that the administration is
refusing to use such authorities." The vote was on passage. The House
passed the resolution by a vote of 226 to 193. [House Vote 85,
3/12/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 3/12/24;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
1065]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Disapprove The Biden Administration's
Border Policies. In January 2024, according to Congressional
Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for "agreeing to the resolution that would
denounce the Biden administration's 'open-border policies' and condemn
the crisis that the administration has 'created along the southwest
border.' The vote was on adoption of the rule. The House adopted the
rule by a vote of 225 to 187. [House Vote 13,
1/17/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 1/17/24;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
957]
2024: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted To Disapprove The Biden
Administration's Border Policies. In January 2024, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the "adoption of the rule
(H Res 969) that would provide for floor consideration of the resolution
(H Res 957) to denounce the Biden Administration's border policies.
[...] The rule would provide for up to one hour of debate on [the]
bill." The vote was on adoption of the rule. The House adopted the rule
by a vote of 198 to 194. [House Vote 11,
1/17/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 1/17/24;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
969;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
957]
2017: Fitzpatrick Voted To Appropriate $1.6 Billion In Funding For A
Border Wall On The Southern Border As Part Of An FY 18 'Minibus'
Appropriations Bill. In July 2017, Fitzpatrick voted for legislation
that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "provide[d]
$788 billion in discretionary funding for fiscal 2018 to various
departments, agencies and legislative operations, including $658.1
billion in funding for Defense programs; $88.8 billion in net
appropriations subject to discretionary caps for fiscal 2018 that would
provide funding for military construction activities and for VA programs
and activities; $37.6 billion in net appropriations subject to
discretionary caps for fiscal 2018 that would provide funding for the
Energy Department, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and
related agencies; and $3.6 billion in funding fiscal 2018 for
operations of the House of Representatives, joint House-Senate items and
legislative branch entities such as the Library of Congress, the Capitol
Police, and the Government Accountability Office. The bill would
[have] provide[d] $1.6 billion in funding to U.S. Customs and
Border Protection for procurement, construction and improvement of a
barrier along the southern U.S. border." The vote was on the bill. The
House adopted the bill by a vote of 235 to 192. The Senate took no
substantive action on the legislation. [House Vote 435,
7/27/17; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/27/17; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
3219]
2017: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted To Appropriate $1.6 Billion In
Funding For A Border Wall On The Southern Border. In July 2017,
Fitzpatrick voted for a House Rule that in part, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "automatically modif[ied] the fiscal 2018
minibus to include an amendment that would provide $1.6 billion in
funding to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for procurement,
construction and improvement of a barrier along the southern U.S.
border." The overall rule, also according to Congressional Quarterly,
"provide[d] for further House floor consideration of the bill that
would make certain appropriations for fiscal 2018 (HR 3219), would
[have] provide[d] for consideration of amendments to the Defense
division of the bill; and would [have] provide[d] for consideration
of motions to suspend the rules through the legislative day of July 28,
2017." The vote was on the rule. The House adopted the rule by a vote of
230 to 196. The House later passed the 'minibus' spending bill. [House
Vote 427, 7/27/17;
Congressional Quarterly,
7/27/17; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
3219;
Congressional Actions, H. Res.
478]
2025: Fitzpatrick Voted To Establish Penalties For Evasion Of Border
Patrol While Operating A Motor Vehicle. In February 2025, Fitzpatrick
voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill that would
establish penalties for an individual who commits a criminal offense by
operating a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S. border while
intentionally avoiding a U.S. Border Patrol agent or any federal, state
or local enforcement officer who is assisting U.S. Border Patrol.
Penalties would include a maximum two-year imprisonment term or monetary
fines or both. The imprisonment term would increase in the case of
serious bodily injury or death, including a mandatory minimum sentence.
It would direct the attorney general, in conjunction with the secretary
of Homeland Security, to submit an annual report to the congressional
judiciary committees on the number of people charged under the bill as
well as those apprehended but not charged and those who committed a
violation but were not apprehended along with the penalties sought and
imposed for each violation." The vote was on passage. The House passed
the bill by a vote of 264 to 155. [House Vote 42,
2/13/25; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/13/25;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
35]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Establish Criminal Penalties For Evading
Border Patrol With A Motor Vehicle Within 100 Miles Of The U.S.
Border. In January 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to
Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that would establish
penalties for an individual who commits a criminal offense by operating
a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S. border while intentionally
avoiding a U.S. Border Patrol agent or any federal, state or local
enforcement officer who is assisting U.S. Border Patrol. Penalties would
include a maximum two-year imprisonment term or monetary fines or both.
The imprisonment term would increase in the case of serious bodily
injury or death, including a mandatory minimum sentence. The bill would
direct the attorney general to submit an annual report on violations and
penalties imposed under the bill's provisions to the congressional
judiciary committees." The vote was on passage. The House passed the
bill by a vote of 271 to 154. [House Vote 25,
1/30/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 1/30/24;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5585]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Apply Criminal Penalties For Fleeing U.S.
Border Patrol To Individuals Fleeing Other Law Enforcement Actively
Assisting Border Patrol. In January 2024, Fitzpatrick voted against ,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "amendment no. 1 that would remove
language that would apply the criminal penalties in the bill to
individuals fleeing from federal, state or local law enforcement
officers who are 'actively assisting' U.S. Border Patrol." The vote was
on the amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 201 to
224. [House Vote 24,
1/30/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 1/30/24;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
842;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5585]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Allow Customs And Border Patrol To
Reorganize Customs Revenue Functions. In January 2024, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the "motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill, as amended, that would amend the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 to give U.S. Customs and Border Protection the
authority to consolidate, modify or reorganize customs revenue
functions. It would allow the CBP commissioner to add revenue functions
to existing positions as well as establish new positions for that
function." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote
of 403 to 9, thus it was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 12,
1/17/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 1/17/24;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
5862]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Extend The Limits Of U.S. Customs Waters.
In April 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to Congressional
Quarterly, "the bill that would codify two presidential proclamations
that expand the area, known as 'customs waters,' within which U.S.
Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations officers could
operate off U.S. coasts, from 12 to 24 nautical miles, and bring the
operations of CBP's Air and Marine Operations division into line with
those of other law enforcement agencies." The vote was on passage. The
House passed the bill by a vote of 402 to 6. [House Vote 155,
4/30/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/30/24;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
529]
2024: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted To Extend The Limits Of U.S.
Customs Waters. In April 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to
Congressional Quarterly, "the rule (H Res 1137) that would provide for
floor consideration of the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act
(HR 529) [...]. The rule would provide for up to one hour of debate on
HR 529, H Res 1112, H Res 1117 and HR 7888." The vote was on the rule.
The House adopted the rule by a vote of 213 to 208. [House Vote 113,
4/12/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 4/12/24;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
529;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
1137]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For The FY 2020 Minibus Appropriations Bill,
Which Provided $42.4 Billion For Border Security, $620 Million More
Than FY 2019 But $2 Billion Less Than Requested. In December 2019,
Fitzpatrick voted for the FY 2020 minibus appropriations bill. According
to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill appropriates a total of $42.4
billion in net discretionary funding for border security (combined
Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement
funding), $620 million (1.5%) more than FY 2019 but $2.0 billion less
than requested. An additional $3.0 billion in spending for those
agencies would be available through the collection of various fees. It
provides a total of $14.9 billion for Customs and Border Protection
($44 million more than FY 2019 but $3.3 billion less than requested)
and a total of $8.1 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement
($492 million, or 6%, more than FY 2019, but $701 million less than
requested) [...] The total includes $4.4 billion for immigration
enforcement and removal activities, $155 million (4%) more than FY
2019. Within that total, $3.1 billion is for ICE's custody operations,
$28 million (1%) less than FY 2019. According to Senate appropriators,
that funding would provide for 45,274 detention beds, equal to the FY
2019 level but 8,726 less than the president's request." The vote was a
motion to concur in the Senate Amendment. The House agreed to the motion
by a vote of 280-138. The Senate then passed the bill and the President
signed the bill into law. [House Vote 690,
12/17/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/17/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.R.1158]
2018: Fitzpatrick Voted For The $1.3 Trillion FY 2018 Omnibus
Spending Deal Which Raised Spending By $138 Billion Over FY 2017
Levels, Including An Increase, With Limitations, On ICE And CBP
Funding. In March 2018, Fitzpatrick voted for the FY 2018 Omnibus
spending bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Combined, the
spending measures would provide about $1.3 trillion in discretionary
spending, with $1.2 trillion subject to discretionary spending caps,
and $78.1 billion designated as Overseas Contingency Operations funds.
The measure's spending levels are consistent with the increased defense
and non-defense budget caps set by the two-year budget deal agreed to
last month. That agreement increased the FY 2018 defense cap by $80
billion and the non-defense cap by $63 billion. Given that the previous
caps were set to reduce overall discretionary spending by $5 billion,
the net increase provided by the omnibus is $138 billion over the FY
2017 level." The vote was on the motion to concur in the Senate
Amendment with an Amendment. The House agreed to the motion, thereby
passing the bill, by a vote of 256 to 167. The Senate later agreed to
the legislation, sending it to the president, who signed it into law.
[House Vote 127,
3/22/18; Congressional
Quarterly, 3/22/18; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
1625]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Require The Justice Department To Submit A
Report On The Impact The Increase Of Migrants Has Had On Law Enforcement
To Congress. In May 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to
Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that would require the
Justice Department to submit to Congress, within 180 days of the bill's
enactment, a report on the impact of the increase of migrants at the
U.S. southern border on law enforcement. The bill would require the
report to detail the impact of such activity on law enforcement officers
on the federal, state, local and tribal level. Among other things, the
report also must include the estimated dollar amount of all resources
devoted to addressing the increase of migrants at the southern border
and the extent that those resources are not available to law enforcement
agencies and any potential injuries to law enforcement officers related
to the increase of migrants at the southern border or exposure to
fentanyl." The House passed the bill by a vote of 254 to 157. [House
Vote 215, 5/16/24;
Congressional Quarterly,
5/16/24; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
8146]
2023: Fitzpatrick Voted For The Secure The Border Act, Which Was A GOP
Border Security Package That Sought To Continue Construction Of The
Border Wall, Enhance Customs And Border Protection, Reopen Border
Detention Facilities, Limiting Asylum, And Establish A Mandatory
E-Verification System. In May 2023, according to Congressional
Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the Secure The Border Act, which would
"require the Homeland Security Department to take a number of actions to
limit illegal immigration into the United States, including by resuming
construction of the 'border wall' along the southwestern border,
bolstering Customs and Border Protection, reopening border detention
facilities, limiting asylum applications and eligibility, and
establishing a mandatory employment verification system." The vote was
on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 219 to 213, thus the
bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 209,
5/11/23; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/11/23;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2]
The Bill Sought To Prevent Immigrants And Illegal Drugs From
Crossing The Southwestern Border. According to Reuters, "The U.S.
House of Representatives on Thursday approved Republican legislation
intended to stop immigrants and illegal drugs crossing the nation's
southwestern border with Mexico, leaving it to the Senate to attempt
a broader, bipartisan immigration bill." [Reuters,
5/12/23]
The Bill Would Establish Strict Limits On Asylum Seekers, Require
Asylum Seekers To Apply For U.S. Protection Outside Of The Country,
And Continue Construction Of The Border Wall And Expand Federal Law
Enforcement Efforts. According to Reuters, "The package, which
Democrats have warned will be blocked in the Senate, would set tight
limits on asylum seekers and require them to apply for U.S.
protection outside the country. It also would resume construction of
a wall along the border and expand federal law enforcement efforts."
[Reuters,
5/12/23]
The Bill Would Resume The Border Wall Construction, Raise Funding
For Border Agents And Upgrade Border Equipment, Re-Implement The
"Remain In Mexico Policy," Create New Restrictions On
Asylum-Seeking, And Enhance E-Verify. According to CNN, "The bill
would restart construction of a border wall, increase funding for
border agents and upgraded border technology, reinstate the 'remain
in Mexico' policy, place new restrictions on asylum seekers, and
enhance requirements for E-verify, a database employers use to
verify immigration status." [CNN,
5/11/23]
The Biden Administration Threatened To Veto The Bill, Arguing That
It Did Not Address Root Causes Of Migration, Lowered Humanitarian
Protections, And Restrained Lawful Pathways For Asylum While It
Would Not Actually Enhance Border Security. According to CNN, "The
Biden administration's veto threat against the legislation
criticized the measure, saying, 'this bill would make things worse,
not better.' The measure 'does nothing to address the root causes of
migration, reduces humanitarian protections, and restricts lawful
pathways, which are critical alternatives to unlawful entry ...
because this bill does very little to actually increase border
security while doing a great deal to trample on the nation's core
values and international obligations, it should be rejected,' the
statement said." [CNN,
5/11/23]
2023: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted For The Secure The Border Act,
Which Was A GOP Border Security Package. In May 2023, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted against the "motion to
recommit the bill to a committee." The vote was on a motion to recommit.
The House rejected the motion by a vote of 211 to 221, thus the House
voted on passage subsequently. [House Vote 208,
5/11/23; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/11/23;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2]
2023: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted For The Secure The Border Act,
Which Was A GOP Border Security Package. In May 2023, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the "adoption of the rule
(H Res 383) that would that would provide for floor consideration of the
Secure the Border Act (HR 2) and the Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of
Unemployment Fraud Act (HR 1163). The rule would provide for up to five
hours of debate on the Secure the Border Act and up to one hour of
debate on the Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud
Act. [...] As amended, the rule would also provide for automatic
adoption of an amendment to HR 2 that would strike a section requiring
the Homeland Security Department to submit a report to Congress on
whether certain Mexican drug cartels meet the criteria to be designated
as foreign terrorist organizations; instead require Congress to
commission a report containing a national strategy to address Mexican
drug cartels, including a determination of whether there should be a new
designation for such cartels and information on actions by such cartels
that harm the U.S.; and express the sense of Congress that, in
implementing the E-Verify Program, DHS shall ensure any adverse impact
on the U.S. agricultural workforce, operations and food security is
considered and addressed." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The
House adopted the rule by a vote of 215 to 209. [House Vote 207,
5/10/23; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/10/23;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
383;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2]
2023: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted For The Secure The Border Act,
Which Was A GOP Border Security Package. In May 2023, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the "motion to order the
previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on
the rule (H Res 383) that would that would provide for floor
consideration of the Secure the Border Act (HR 2) and the Protecting
Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act (HR 1163). The rule
would provide for up to five hours of debate on the Secure the Border
Act and up to one hour of debate on the Protecting Taxpayers and Victims
of Unemployment Fraud Act." The vote was on a motion to order the
previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 215 to
211. [House Vote 205,
5/10/23; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/10/23;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
383;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For Requiring Medical Screenings For
Individuals Taken Into Custody By U.S. Border Patrol. In September
2019, Fitzpatrick voted for a bill that would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "require the Homeland Security Department to
establish uniform procedures for medical screening of individuals taken
into custody by U.S. Border Patrol between U.S. ports of entry. It would
require that such screenings be conducted by a medical professional
within 12 hours for adults and within 6 hours for minors. It would also
require DHS to assess capability gaps in the provision of medical
screenings, particularly for vulnerable populations." The vote was on
passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 230-184. The bill was
never taken up in the Senate. [House Vote 552,
9/26/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 9/26/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.R.3525]
2023: Fitzpatrick Voted To Require A Report On A National Strategy To
Address Mexican Drug Cartels, Whether To Classify Cartels, And Data On
How Cartels Harm The U.S. In May 2023, according to Congressional
Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the Secure The Border Act, which would
"require Congress to commission a report that contains a national
strategy to address Mexican drug cartels, including a determination of
whether there should be a designation established to address such
cartels." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote
of 219 to 213, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 209,
5/11/23; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/11/23;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2]
2023: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Would Require A Report
On A National Strategy To Address Mexican Drug Cartels, Whether To
Classify Cartels, And Data On How Cartels Harm The U.S., Instead Of
Mandating A Report Determining Whether Cartels Could Be Designated As
Foreign Terrorist Organizations. In May 2023, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for an amendment to the rule
provided by H.Res. 383, which would "strike a section that would require
the Homeland Security Department to submit a report to Congress on
whether certain Mexican drug cartels meet the criteria to be designated
as foreign terrorist organizations. It would instead require Congress,
within 60 days of enactment, to commission a report that contains a
national strategy to address Mexican drug cartels; a determination of
whether there should be a designation established to address such
cartels; and information on actions by such cartels that harm the U.S.
It would also express the sense of Congress that, in implementing the
E-Verify Program, DHS shall ensure any adverse impact on the nation's
agricultural workforce, operations and food security are considered and
addressed." The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The House
adopted the amendment by a vote of 236 to 190. [House Vote 206,
5/10/23; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/10/23;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
383;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
172]
2023: Fitzpatrick Voted To Continue The Construction Of The Border
Wall. In May 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick
voted for the Secure The Border Act, which, "To enhance physical border
security, the bill would require DHS to resume all previously planned
border wall construction on the U.S.-Mexico border. It would require DHS
to design, install and operate at least 900 total miles of physical
barriers and other infrastructure and technology along the border, until
the department achieves 'operational control' of the border, defined
under current law as the prevention of all unlawful entries into the
country." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote
of 219 to 213, thus the bill was sent to the Senate. [House Vote 209,
5/11/23; Congressional
Quarterly, 5/11/23;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
2]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For The FY 2020 Minibus Appropriations Bill,
Which Provided $1.375 Billion For Continued Construction Of The Border
Wall. In December 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for the FY 2020 minibus
appropriations bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The Measure
includes $1.375 billion for continued construction of the president's
wall along the U.S.-Mexican border equal to FY 2019. President Trump had
requested $5.0 billion for 722 miles of new barriers." The vote was a
motion to concur in the Senate Amendment. The House agreed to the motion
by a vote of 280-138. The Senate then passed the bill and the President
signed the bill into law. [House Vote 690,
12/17/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/17/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.R.1158]
2019: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted For The FY 2020 National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA), Which Provided $1.375 Billion For The Border
Wall, Much Less Than The $7.2 Billion Requested By Trump. In December
2019, Fitzpatrick effectively voted for the FY 2020 NDAA. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "Congress provided only $1.375 Billion for
border barriers [...] The agreement does not authorize the $7.2
billion requested by the president for Army OCO military construction
funding to build the border wall, half of which ($3.6 billion) would be
to back-fill accounts where funds diverted for wall construction." The
vote was on adoption of the conference report to accompany the bill. The
House adopted the conference report by a vote of 377-48. The bill was
later passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President. [House
Vote 672, 12/11/19;
Congressional Quarterly,
12/17/19;
Congressional Actions,
S.1790]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For Terminating The National Emergency
Declared By President Donald Trump For The Construction Of A Border
Wall. In September 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for a joint resolution that
would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "terminate the national
emergency declared by the President Donald Trump on Feb. 15, 2019,
related to the construction of a physical barrier along the U.S.-Mexico
border." The vote was on passage. The House passed the joint resolution
by a vote of 236-174. The bill was previously passed by the Senate, but
was vetoed by the President. [House Vote 553,
9/27/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 9/27/19;
Congressional Actions,
S.J.Res.54]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted Against Allowing The Trump Administration To
Use Funds From The Treasury Forfeiture Fund To Pay For The Border
Wall. In June 2019, Fitzpatrick voted against an amendment to the FY
2020 minibus appropriations bill, which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "strike from the bill a provision that would
prohibit the use of funds from a Treasury Department forfeiture fund to
plan or construct a wall, barrier, fence, or road along the U.S.
southern border. The fund is sourced from Treasury and Homeland Security
Department forfeitures and seizures and used for related law enforcement
activities." The vote was on adoption. The House rejected the amendment
by a vote of 191-226. [House Vote 411,
6/25/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 6/25/19;
Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.484;
Congressional Actions,
H.R.3351]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted To Block President Trump's Emergency
Declaration That Bypassed Congress To Build A Portion Of His Wall At The
Southern Border. In March 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for a resolution
that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "terminate the
president's national emergency declaration concerning the security
situation at the southern border." The vote was on override the
president's veto, requiring a two-thirds majority, or 286 in this case.
The House rejected the resolution by a vote of 248 to 181. [House Vote
127, 3/26/19;
Congressional Quarterly,
3/26/19; Congressional Actions,
H. J. Res.
46]
Trump Promised To Build A Wall On The Southern Border During The
2016 Campaign And Claimed That Mexico Would Pay For It. According
to the Wall Street Journal, "As a candidate in 2016, Mr. Trump
described building the wall as a simple job. He tied it to his
identity as a builder, a career that dates to the 1960s when he
joined his father's real-estate company. As the author of 'The Art
of the Deal,' Mr. Trump put his reputation as a negotiator on the
line. [...] Yet 'build the wall' chants continue to resound at the
president's public appearances. Among Mr. Trump's political base,
polls show that 96% support the border wall. More broadly, a
majority of Americans oppose such a barrier, the same Wall Street
Journal/NBC News poll found in January. During the 2016 Republican
primary race, Mr. Trump called his build-the-wall campaign promise,
'My best line.' [...] The promise to build a wall "and eventually
make Mexico pay for it" was written on a dry erase board in Mr.
Bannon's West Wing office, competing for attention among other
campaign promises. It was one of more than four dozen pledges on the
white board, organized by policy area." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
December 2018: Trump Demanded Border Wall Funding In Exchange For
Keeping The Government Open; The Government Was Then Shutdown For 35
Days. According to Politico, "The president will make the request
in his budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, which ends just
one month before the 2020 presidential election. The sum ---
billions of dollars higher than the $5.7 billion demand that
sparked the 35-day government shutdown --- will surely divide
spending negotiators again this year, likely resulting in static
funding levels for much of the rest of the government or another
lapse." [Politico,
3/10/19]
January 2019: The Government Was Re-Opened For Three Weeks In
Hopes Of Finding A Deal On The Border Wall; Trump Threatened To
Declare A National Emergency If He Did Not Get His Wall Money.
According to CNN, "President Trump said the deal the deal he's
announcing will fund the government for three weeks, until Feb. 15,
and a bipartisan panel will work on a border security package. Trump
said he has a 'very powerful alternative' --- an apparent reference
to his threats to declare a national emergency in order to fund the
border wall --- but said he was 'not going to use it.' Trump thanked
Americans and said he's working to ensure that the furloughed
workers who missed two paychecks during the shutdown will get
backpay." [CNN,
1/25/19]
President Trump Demanded $5.7 Billion For Wall Funding, But The
Bill Re-opening Government For The Reminder Of FY 2019 Only Provided
$1.375 Billion For New And Replacement Barriers. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "The centerpiece, Homeland Security,
provides $1.375 billion for new and replacement barriers along the
U.S. border with Mexico, including 55 miles of new fencing, along
with an increase of $1.5 billion in other border security funding
--- such as for new technology at ports of entry and additional
Customs officers. Outside of the Homeland bill, it includes another
$1.6 billion for border security, as well as a 1.9% pay increase
for federal civilian employees. President Trump, who wanted $5.7
billion for 234 miles of new border 'wall,' has not yet decided
whether he will sign the agreement, according to White House staff."
[Congressional Quarterly,
2/14/19]
February 2019: Trump Declared A National Emergency, Redirecting
Appropriated Funds For His Border Wall. According to the Wall
Street Journal, "resident Trump declared a national emergency Friday
over border security, bypassing Congress to divert money from
elsewhere in the government to pay for additional barriers along the
southern border, a move likely to ignite immediate court challenges.
Mr. Trump also signed a bipartisan spending bill that will keep the
government funded through the fall and allocates $1.38 billion for
55 miles of border barriers---far less than the $5.7 billion the
president had asked for. Unsatisfied with the amount set aside by
lawmakers for barriers, Mr. Trump now plans to also draw roughly
$6.7 billion from military and other sources, without the approval
of Congress." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
To Pay For The Wall, Trump Would Transfer Money In Part From
Military Construction. According to ABC News, "The president
declared a national emergency from the White House Rose Garden
Friday after signing the declaration, a move administration
officials argued would free up funds appropriated by Congress for
military construction to help build the wall, and allow Trump to
deliver on his campaign pledge after congressional Democrats
repeatedly rejected his demands. Under the terms of the declaration,
the administration would have access to $3.5 billion from the
Pentagon's military construction budget, along with $2.5 billion
from the Pentagon's drug interdiction program and $600 million
from the Treasury Department's drug forfeiture fund." [ABC News,
2/18/19]
In The 1970's, Congress Passed The National Emergencies Act, Which
Put Limits On What The President Could Do On Emergencies And Gave
Congress The Ability To End A Declared Emergency. According to the
Wall Street Journal, "In the 1970s, Congress passed the National
Emergencies Act, a measure that placed limits on presidential
discretion and allows Congress to terminate an emergency
declaration." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Some Of The Restricted Power Meant That A President Could Only Use
Others Powers That Congress Had Already Put Into Law. According to
Vox, "In recent history, they've done so under the National
Emergencies Act of 1976, which lets presidents issue an emergency
declaration but under certain constraints --- namely, Trump can only
use specific powers Congress has already codified by law, and he has
to say which powers he's using." [Vox,
2/15/19]
Previous National Emergency Examples Were 9/11 And Sanctions, But
Not Things That Congress Declined To Fund. According to the Wall
Street Journal, "Previous presidents have signed dozens of emergency
declarations, including those related to the Sept. 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks and sanctions, but not for initiatives that
Congress declined to fund." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Trump Claimed It Was An Emergency Because "We're Talking About An
Invasion Of Our Country." According to the Wall Street Journal,
"In remarks at the White House, Mr. Trump defended the actions as
critical to national security. 'We're talking about an invasion of
our country,' he said." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Trump Also Claimed That "I Didn't Need To Do This, But I'd Rather
Do It Much Faster." According to the Wall Street Journal, "At
another point, however, [Trump] suggested an emergency declaration
wasn't necessary. 'I didn't need to do this, but I'd rather do it
much faster,' he said." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Opponents Of The Order From Both Parties Claimed It Was
Unconstitutional. According to the Wall Street Journal, "Senate
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) said he would support the
declaration, but the move was met with opposition from other
lawmakers in both parties, who called it unconstitutional or
unnecessary. 'The Congress will defend our constitutional
authorities in the Congress, in the Courts, and in the public, using
every remedy available,' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) and
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) said in a joint
statement. 'The Congress cannot let the President shred the
Constitution.' House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold
Nadler (D., N.Y.) said he would support a resolution to terminate an
emergency declaration and that he intends to 'pursue all other
available legal options.' Republican lawmakers also were critical,
saying the president's plan undermined Congress and set a dangerous
precedent if future Democratic presidents sought to declare
emergencies over their priorities, such as climate change." [Wall
Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Opponents Also Claimed That The Situation At The Border Was Not An
Emergency. According to the Wall Street Journal, "Critics have
also questioned Mr. Trump's assertion that border security is in
crisis. The number of people apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico
border---a figure viewed as an indicator of illegal entries---fell
to lowest total in 2017 in more than 40 years, though it then ticked
up, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. At the same
time, the proportion of apprehensions involving children and
families has surged." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Some Republican Opponents Feared That A Democrat Could Declare A
National Emergency On Things Like Climate Change Or Gun Control.
According to the Huffington Post, "With his controversial decision,
Trump may have opened the door to a broader use of emergency
declarations. 'We should do something about the actual emergencies
that plague our nation --- like climate change or health care access
--- not playing politics in order to build a wasteful border wall,'
Sen. Kamala Harris (Calif.), one of several Democratic presidential
candidates, tweeted on Friday. Ilhan Omar @IlhanMN Our next
President should declare a #NationalEmergency on day 1 to address
the existential threat to all life on the planet posed by Climate
Change. 123K 2:53 PM - Feb 15, 2019 And Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
warned that Trump's use of emergency powers could lead to a
Democratic president declaring an emergency to combat gun violence
and then instituting universal background checks and banning assault
weapons." [Huffington Post,
2/15/19]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted To Block President Trump's Emergency
Declaration Bypassing Congress To Build A Portion Of His Wall At The
Southern Border. In February 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for a resolution
that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, "terminate the
president's national emergency declaration concerning the security
situation at the southern border." The vote was on passage. The House
passed the resolution by a vote of 245 to 182. The legislation was later
passed by the Senate, vetoed by the president, which was sustained.
[House Vote 94, 2/26/19;
Congressional Quarterly, 2/26/19;
Congressional Actions, H. J. Res.
46]
Trump Promised To Build A Wall On The Southern Border During The
2016 Campaign And Claimed That Mexico Would Pay For It. According
to the Wall Street Journal, "As a candidate in 2016, Mr. Trump
described building the wall as a simple job. He tied it to his
identity as a builder, a career that dates to the 1960s when he
joined his father's real-estate company. As the author of 'The Art
of the Deal,' Mr. Trump put his reputation as a negotiator on the
line. [...] Yet 'build the wall' chants continue to resound at the
president's public appearances. Among Mr. Trump's political base,
polls show that 96% support the border wall. More broadly, a
majority of Americans oppose such a barrier, the same Wall Street
Journal/NBC News poll found in January. During the 2016 Republican
primary race, Mr. Trump called his build-the-wall campaign promise,
'My best line.' [...] The promise to build a wall "and eventually
make Mexico pay for it" was written on a dry erase board in Mr.
Bannon's West Wing office, competing for attention among other
campaign promises. It was one of more than four dozen pledges on the
white board, organized by policy area." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
December 2018: Trump Demanded Border Wall Funding In Exchange For
Keeping The Government Open; The Government Was Then Shutdown For 35
Days. According to Politico, "The president will make the request
in his budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, which ends just
one month before the 2020 presidential election. The sum ---
billions of dollars higher than the $5.7 billion demand that
sparked the 35-day government shutdown --- will surely divide
spending negotiators again this year, likely resulting in static
funding levels for much of the rest of the government or another
lapse." [Politico,
3/10/19]
January 2019: The Government Was Re-Opened For Three Weeks In
Hopes Of Finding A Deal On The Border Wall; Trump Threatened To
Declare A National Emergency If He Did Not Get His Wall Money.
According to CNN, "President Trump said the deal the deal he's
announcing will fund the government for three weeks, until Feb. 15,
and a bipartisan panel will work on a border security package. Trump
said he has a 'very powerful alternative' --- an apparent reference
to his threats to declare a national emergency in order to fund the
border wall --- but said he was 'not going to use it.' Trump thanked
Americans and said he's working to ensure that the furloughed
workers who missed two paychecks during the shutdown will get
backpay." [CNN,
1/25/19]
President Trump Demanded $5.7 Billion For Wall Funding, But The
Bill Re-opening Government For The Reminder Of FY 2019 Only Provided
$1.375 Billion For New And Replacement Barriers. According to
Congressional Quarterly, " The centerpiece, Homeland Security,
provides $1.375 billion for new and replacement barriers along the
U.S. border with Mexico, including 55 miles of new fencing, along
with an increase of $1.5 billion in other border security funding
--- such as for new technology at ports of entry and additional
Customs officers. Outside of the Homeland bill, it includes another
$1.6 billion for border security, as well as a 1.9% pay increase
for federal civilian employees. President Trump, who wanted $5.7
billion for 234 miles of new border 'wall,' has not yet decided
whether he will sign the agreement, according to White House staff."
[Congressional Quarterly,
2/14/19]
February 2019: Trump Declared A National Emergency, Redirecting
Appropriated Funds For His Border Wall. According to the Wall
Street Journal, "resident Trump declared a national emergency Friday
over border security, bypassing Congress to divert money from
elsewhere in the government to pay for additional barriers along the
southern border, a move likely to ignite immediate court challenges.
Mr. Trump also signed a bipartisan spending bill that will keep the
government funded through the fall and allocates $1.38 billion for
55 miles of border barriers---far less than the $5.7 billion the
president had asked for. Unsatisfied with the amount set aside by
lawmakers for barriers, Mr. Trump now plans to also draw roughly
$6.7 billion from military and other sources, without the approval
of Congress." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
To Pay For The Wall, Trump Would Transfer Money In Part From
Military Construction. According to ABC News, "The president
declared a national emergency from the White House Rose Garden
Friday after signing the declaration, a move administration
officials argued would free up funds appropriated by Congress for
military construction to help build the wall, and allow Trump to
deliver on his campaign pledge after congressional Democrats
repeatedly rejected his demands. Under the terms of the declaration,
the administration would have access to $3.5 billion from the
Pentagon's military construction budget, along with $2.5 billion
from the Pentagon's drug interdiction program and $600 million
from the Treasury Department's drug forfeiture fund." [ABC News,
2/18/19]
In The 1970's, Congress Passed The National Emergencies Act, Which
Put Limits On What The President Could Do On Emergencies And Gave
Congress The Ability To End A Declared Emergency. According to the
Wall Street Journal, "In the 1970s, Congress passed the National
Emergencies Act, a measure that placed limits on presidential
discretion and allows Congress to terminate an emergency
declaration." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Some Of The Restricted Power Meant That A President Could Only Use
Others Powers That Congress Had Already Put Into Law. According to
Vox, "In recent history, they've done so under the National
Emergencies Act of 1976, which lets presidents issue an emergency
declaration but under certain constraints --- namely, Trump can only
use specific powers Congress has already codified by law, and he has
to say which powers he's using." [Vox,
2/15/19]
Previous National Emergency Examples Were 9/11 And Sanctions, But
Not Things That Congress Declined To Fund. According to the Wall
Street Journal, "Previous presidents have signed dozens of emergency
declarations, including those related to the Sept. 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks and sanctions, but not for initiatives that
Congress declined to fund." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Trump Claimed It Was An Emergency Because "We're Talking About An
Invasion Of Our Country." According to the Wall Street Journal,
"In remarks at the White House, Mr. Trump defended the actions as
critical to national security. 'We're talking about an invasion of
our country,' he said." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Trump Also Claimed That "I Didn't Need To Do This, But I'd Rather
Do It Much Faster." According to the Wall Street Journal, "At
another point, however, [Trump] suggested an emergency declaration
wasn't necessary. 'I didn't need to do this, but I'd rather do it
much faster,' he said." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Opponents Of The Order From Both Parties Claimed It Was
Unconstitutional. According to the Wall Street Journal, "Senate
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) said he would support the
declaration, but the move was met with opposition from other
lawmakers in both parties, who called it unconstitutional or
unnecessary. 'The Congress will defend our constitutional
authorities in the Congress, in the Courts, and in the public, using
every remedy available,' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) and
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) said in a joint
statement. 'The Congress cannot let the President shred the
Constitution.' House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold
Nadler (D., N.Y.) said he would support a resolution to terminate an
emergency declaration and that he intends to 'pursue all other
available legal options.' Republican lawmakers also were critical,
saying the president's plan undermined Congress and set a dangerous
precedent if future Democratic presidents sought to declare
emergencies over their priorities, such as climate change." [Wall
Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Opponents Also Claimed That The Situation At The Border Was Not An
Emergency. According to the Wall Street Journal, "Critics have
also questioned Mr. Trump's assertion that border security is in
crisis. The number of people apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico
border---a figure viewed as an indicator of illegal entries---fell
to lowest total in 2017 in more than 40 years, though it then ticked
up, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. At the same
time, the proportion of apprehensions involving children and
families has surged." [Wall Street Journal,
2/15/19]
Some Republican Opponents Feared That A Democrat Could Declare A
National Emergency On Things Like Climate Change Or Gun Control.
According to the Huffington Post, "With his controversial decision,
Trump may have opened the door to a broader use of emergency
declarations. 'We should do something about the actual emergencies
that plague our nation --- like climate change or health care access
--- not playing politics in order to build a wasteful border wall,'
Sen. Kamala Harris (Calif.), one of several Democratic presidential
candidates, tweeted on Friday. Ilhan Omar @IlhanMN Our next
President should declare a #NationalEmergency on day 1 to address
the existential threat to all life on the planet posed by Climate
Change. 123K 2:53 PM - Feb 15, 2019 And Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
warned that Trump's use of emergency powers could lead to a
Democratic president declaring an emergency to combat gun violence
and then instituting universal background checks and banning assault
weapons." [Huffington Post,
2/15/19]
2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Omnibus Spending Proposal Preventing
Another Government Shutdown And Providing $1.375 Billion For New And
Replacement Barriers, But Not The Full $5.7 Billion For The Wall. In
February 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for the FY 2019 consolidated
appropriations bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, "This
Conference Summary describes the agreement on H J Res 31, Consolidated
Appropriations Act for FY 2019, which provides detailed, full-year
funding for all seven remaining FY 2019 spending bills ---thereby
completing the FY 2019 appropriations process. The centerpiece, Homeland
Security, provides $1.375 billion for new and replacement barriers
along the U.S. border with Mexico, including 55 miles of new fencing,
along with an increase of $1.5 billion in other border security funding
--- such as for new technology at ports of entry and additional Customs
officers. Outside of the Homeland bill, it includes another $1.6
billion for border security, as well as a 1.9% pay increase for federal
civilian employees." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill
by a vote of 300 to 128. The bill was later signed into law by the
president. [House Vote 87,
2/14/19; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/14/19; Congressional
Actions, H. J. Res.
31]
The Government Had Been Shutdown For Weeks Over Border Wall
Funding; This Bill Prevented Another. According to Politico,
"Three weeks after the longest shutdown in U.S. history, the House
and Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation to fund roughly
one-quarter of the federal government through Sept. 30, while
providing only a fraction of the funds for a border barrier that
Trump demanded." [Politico,
2/14/19]
President Trump Demanded $5.7 Billion For Wall Funding, But The
Bill Only Provided $1.375 Billion For New And Replacement
Barriers. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The centerpiece,
Homeland Security, provides $1.375 billion for new and replacement
barriers along the U.S. border with Mexico, including 55 miles of
new fencing, along with an increase of $1.5 billion in other border
security funding --- such as for new technology at ports of entry
and additional Customs officers. Outside of the Homeland bill, it
includes another $1.6 billion for border security, as well as a
1.9% pay increase for federal civilian employees. President Trump,
who wanted $5.7 billion for 234 miles of new border 'wall,' has not
yet decided whether he will sign the agreement, according to White
House staff." [Congressional Quarterly,
2/14/19]
After Signing The Bill, Trump Signed An Emergency Declaration
Bypassing Congress To Fund The Wall. According to the Washington
Post, "President Trump on Friday declared the situation on the
southern border of the United States to be a national emergency,
catapulting the country into uncertain legal and political battles
as he seeks to fulfill a campaign promise that eluded him for two
years. He made the designation in an attempt to redirect taxpayer
money from other accounts and use it to erect more than 230 miles of
barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. But Trump anticipates a
flurry of legal challenges that will eventually be decided by the
Supreme Court." [Washington Post,
2/15/19]
2018: Fitzpatrick Voted To Prevent A Government Shutdown Over Trump's
Wall; Bill Would Have Appropriated $5.7 Billion For The Wall. In
December 2018, Fitzpatrick voted for a continuing resolution funding a
significant portion of government through February 8, 2019 as well as
allocating $5.7 billion for President Trump's border wall. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "The bill is the legislative vehicle for a
short-term continuing resolution that would fund the government through
Feb. 8, 2019. It would also authorize $5.7 billion for construction of
a border wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as an estimated $7.8
billion in emergency disaster relief funding." The vote was on a motion
to concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate
amendment to the bill, with a further House amendment. The House agreed
to the motion by a vote of 217 to 185. The bill died in the Senate.
[House Vote 472,
12/20/18; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/20/18; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
695]
2018: Fitzpatrick Voted For The So-Called Compromise GOP Immigration
Will That Provided $23.4 Billion In Border Security Funding --
Including For A "Wall System"-, Provided A Pathway To Citizenship For
DACA Recipients, And Increased Asylum Requirements For Those Seeking
It. In June 2018, Fitzpatrick voted for the "compromise" immigration
proposal between Republican conservatives and moderates. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "Passage of the bill that would appropriate
$23.4 billion for various border security activities. Included would be
$16.6 billion for a 'border wall system,' which would be available from
fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2027, and $6.8 billion for border security
investments, which would be available from fiscal 2019 through fiscal
2023. It would provide those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
status a six-year renewable contingent non-immigrant legal status and
would allow them to apply for a green card after five years, providing a
path to citizenship. It would modify legal immigration by ending the
diversity visa program and reallocating those visas to other
classifications. The bill would require that undocumented immigrants who
are charged with a misdemeanor offense for improper entry into the
United States be detained with their minor children." The vote was on
passage. The House rejected the bill by a vote of 121 to 301. [House
Vote 297, 6/27/18;
Congressional Quarterly, 6/27/18;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
6136]
2018: Fitzpatrick Voted Against A Republican Immigration Reform
Measure Which Provided $9.3 Billion In Wall Funding, A Three-Year
Renewable Temporary Status For DACA Recipients, And Reduced Overall
Legal Immigration By Ending The Diversity Visa Program And Restricting
Family-Based Immigration. In June 2018, Fitzpatrick voted against a
conservative immigration reform bill. Acceding to Congressional
Quarterly, "Passage of the bill that would authorize $24.8 billion for
fiscal 2018 through fiscal 2022 for various border security activities,
including $9.3 billion for a border wall and other physical barriers
and would provide individuals registered under the Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals program with a three-year, renewable contingent
non-immigrant legal status but with no special path to citizenship. It
would modify legal immigration by ending the diversity visa program and
restricting most family-based immigration to allow only spouses and
minor children of legal permanent residents to receive green cards. It
would increase enforcement of immigration laws within the United States,
including by requiring all employers to verify the immigration status
and eligibility of individuals seeking jobs in the United States." The
vote was on passage. The House rejected the bill by a vote of 193 to
231. [House Vote 282,
6/21/18; Congressional
Quarterly, 6/21/18; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
4760]
2017: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted For Funding For Trump's Border
Wall With Funding Instead Of Going To FEMA. In September 2017,
Fitzpatrick effectively voted against an amendment that would have,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "increase[d] funding for the
Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Predisaster Mitigation
Fund by $2.4 billion, would [have] eliminate[d] $1.6 billion in
funding to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for procurement,
construction and improvement of a barrier along the southern U.S.
border, and would [have] decrease[d] funding for U.S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement operations by $849.5 million." The underlying
legislation was an FY 2018 omnibus. The House rejected the motion to
recommit by a vote of 186 to 223. The House later passed the underlying
legislation. The Senate took no substantive action on the overall
legislation. [House Vote 527,
9/14/17; Congressional
Quarterly, 9/14/17; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
3354]
2017: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against Preventing Funding For The
Wall In An FY 18 Defense Authorization. In July 2017, Fitzpatrick
effectively voted against an amendment that would have, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "prohibit[ed] funds authorized by the bill
from being used to plan, develop, or construct any barriers, including
walls or fences, along 'the international border of the United States.'"
The underlying legislation was an FY 2018 defense authorization. The
vote was on a motion to recommit. The House rejected the motion by a
vote of 190 to 235. [House Vote 377,
7/13/17; Congressional
Quarterly, 7/13/17; Congressional
Actions, H.R.
2810]
2017: Fitzpatrick Voted For The May 2017 FY 2017 Omnibus
Appropriations Bill That Provided No Funding For Donald Trump's Border
Wall. In May 2017, Fitzpatrick voted for the FY 2017 omnibus
appropriations bill that would keep much of the government open and
would have provided $1.16 trillion in discretionary spending. According
to Congressional Quarterly, "The bipartisan measure contains full,
detailed bills for the remaining 11 annual spending measures for the
duration of FY 2017, which ends Sept 30. [...] It also provide[d]
$1.5 billion in added funds for border security, but [did] not
include funds for the president's proposal to build a wall on the border
with Mexico." Overall, the legislation would have, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "provide[d] $1.16 trillion in discretionary
appropriations through Sept. 30, 2017 for federal departments and
agencies covered by the remaining 11 fiscal 2017 spending bills. [...]
The measure would also [have] provide[d] $608 million for health
benefits for retired coal miners, $296 million for Medicaid payments to
Puerto Rico, and $341 million to replace 40 miles of existing fencing
along the southwestern border, though the designs of the fencing must
have been 'previously deployed'." The vote was on a motion to concur in
the Senate amendments. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 309
to 118. The Senate later also agreed to the legislation, sending the
bill to the president, who signed it into law. [House Vote 249,
5/3/17; Roll Call,
5/2/17;
Congressional Quarterly, 5/2/17;
Congressional Quarterly, 5/4/17;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
244]