WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) today voted in favor of H.R. 240, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. This appropriations bill funds the Department of Homeland Security through FY 2015 and includes several measures aimed at strengthening border security, supporting our country’s current immigration laws and reversing President Obama’s executive order to grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. Lucas released the following statement upon passage of the bill.

“Last year, we witnessed record numbers of illegal immigrants – many of them teenagers and children – cross into our country and overwhelm state and local resources. Instead of swiftly and decisively acting to stem this tide of illegal immigration, President Obama’s words and actions sent a mixed message to many in other countries that it is all right to enter the United States illegally.

“There is a reasonable expectation and responsibility for the federal government to secure our nation’s borders, yet the president seems more interested in granting amnesty to the millions of undocumented immigrants who have already entered our country.

“The president’s unilateral power grab on immigration back in November was unprecedented, undemocratic and circumvents the principles of our Constitution. Today’s legislation serves as a reminder that apart from signing or vetoing legislation, the White House cannot write or change laws on its own. President Obama can no longer rely on the Senate to obstruct legislation for political reasons, and I look forward to working towards more common sense solutions, whether it’s on immigration, national security or cutting red tape,” said Congressman Lucas.

H.R. 240 provides $39.7 billion in funding for the Department of Homeland Security. The bill increases funding for CBP (Customs and Border Protection) to support the largest operational force of nearly 50,000 Border Patrol agents and CBP officers. It also increases funding for ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) by $689.4 million and fully funds the E-Verify program to discourage businesses from hiring illegal immigrants.

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