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Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Brian Babin (TX-36) voted today for House passage of H.R. 240, the FY2015 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Babin spoke on the House floor urging his colleagues to support the legislation, which fully defunds President Obama’s executive amnesty. The transcript of Babin’s speech is as follows:

“Mr. Chairman, the United States is a nation of immigrants. It is also a nation of laws, and our Nation's leaders have a sworn duty to abide by those laws. On countless occasions, President Obama said that he lacked the authority to grant broad amnesty; however, in November, he reversed his course and unilaterally declared amnesty.

“I rise in strong opposition to his executive amnesty and in strong support of legislation to defund his unlawful and unconstitutional actions.

“Changes in immigration law--or in any law for that matter--rest with the legislative branch of the government, the United States Congress. Granting amnesty through unilateral executive action makes a mockery of our laws, and Congress must rein it in.

“I am a cosponsor of H.R. 191, the Repeal Executive Amnesty Act. Key provisions of this bill will be offered as amendments to this appropriations bill. We will deny the administration funding to implement his amnesty.

“As a past mayor, a hospital staff member for many years, and a local school board member, I know firsthand how this administration's plan is taxing the budgets of our local governments, including our schools, our hospitals, and our jails. This massive unfunded mandate must be repealed.

“Amnesty also undermines our national security by perpetuating open borders, making Americans less safe. Finally, it leaves behind millions of American citizens who are unemployed at this time, making it even harder for them to find good-paying jobs.

“To make the United States stronger, we must rein in this President. We must repeal unilateral amnesty, and we must return to the rule of law. I call on my colleagues to support H.R. 240 and the Aderholt amendment and to pass the underlying legislation. Thank you, and I yield back.”

NOTE: To view video of Babin’s floor speech on H.R. 240, please click here.