WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis issued the following statement today concerning his participation in a Republican walkout Thursday night during consideration of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2008 (H.R. 3161):

 

“Last night, I joined more than 100 of my colleagues in walking out of the House Chamber to protest unprecedented Democrat maneuvers to reverse the outcome of a vote to bar illegal immigrants from receiving any taxpayer-funded benefits apportioned in the agricultural spending bill.

 

“The measure initially passed by a 215-213 majority and was gaveled to a close. However, Democrat leaders proceeded to pressure several members into switching their votes after the gavel until they had the necessary tally to defeat the motion, thereby securing benefits for undocumented immigrants.

 

“This represents a complete breakdown in parliamentary procedure and a terrible new low for this legislative institution.

 

“Earlier this week, the House passed the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) bill, authorizing a $197 billion raid of the Medicare trust fund to lend welfare benefits to illegal immigrants. These funds are critical for the health care needs of America’s children and seniors.

 

“It is clear that House Democrats are unwilling to stand up against illegal immigration. It is a terrible shame to have observed the lengths they have gone to this week to undermine House procedure and short change the needs of millions of legal American citizens in order to meet their objective.” 

 

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