Congressman Lowenthal Comments On House Vote On Southern Border Crisis

Congressman Alan Lowenthal offered the following statement on the August 1 vote by the House to pass a bill dealing with the humanitarian crisis occurring on our southern border:

"This is just my first term, but during my time here, I have seen some truly low moments.

I have seen the closing of the government, the threatening of the full faith and credit of the nation's credit, the failure to extend Unemployment Benefits, and, the difficulty in getting the Violence Against Women Act passed.

But this is the saddest day so far.

We just voted to send children—children—back to unspeakable violence.  Now we are considering deporting young people brought to this country through no fault of their own.

It reminded me of the words of Pastor Martin Niemöller. Words that I have hanging in my office:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Who will speak for these children if not us?"