Gallego Calls for Emergency Declaration for Southern Border
WASINGTON, DC – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) today called on the Biden Administration to issue an emergency declaration for the Southwest Border to provide Arizona’s border communities and nonprofits the resources they need to humanely process the increased number of arrivals at the border.
Statement from Rep. Ruben Gallego:
“As I’ve said all along, the crisis at our southern border requires a federal response, especially after Title 42 was hastily lifted. An emergency declaration is needed to manage the humanitarian and security needs along Arizona’s border. Our state, especially border communities and local law enforcement, should not be left to respond to this surge alone. By declaring an emergency, Arizona communities will be rushed the resources they need to address the crisis and will be eligible for financial reimbursement. That is why I’m calling on the President to take this necessary step.”
By declaring an emergency, the federal government would be able to supplement state and local efforts to provide emergency, safety, and public health services. Emergency disasters can be declared for any occasion when the President determines federal assistance is needed and the response is beyond state and local capabilities.