WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted for a supplemental appropriations bill for humanitarian assistance and security at the southern border. The bill passed with bipartisan support 84-4. The legislation would provide additional funds requested by President Donald J. Trump for border enforcement and the care of undocumented immigrants, including unaccompanied children, while their cases are being processed. The crisis is due to an unprecedented surge of migrants crossing the southern border.

“The funding passed by the Senate today would meet President Trump’s request for additional support at the southern border,” Wicker said. “This funding would help our border patrol agents and other federal employees provide necessities and better conditions for children in U.S. care, help expedite the processing of immigration cases, and enhance border security. I hope the House will pass this bipartisan bill.”

The bill would provide approximately $4.6 billion for the humanitarian crisis at the border, including $2.8 billion for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide shelter and care for unaccompanied children. The bill includes $1.3 billion for the Department of Homeland Security and $145 million for the Department of Defense for border security and operations. The legislation also provides $220 million for the Department of Justice for claim processing and the addition of 30 new immigration judge teams.