Today, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement after H.R. 2615, the United States-Northern Triangle Enhancement Engagement Act, passed the House of Representatives yesterday:

“Over the weekend, I visited the Texas-Mexico border with 19 of my colleagues. As I said before I toured the migrant facilities, Congress must provide proper oversight of the administration’s policies to ensure the well-being of migrants in federal custody. What I saw was stunningly depressing. There was massive overcrowding, and while border patrol officials were doing the best they could with what they have, the situation is heartbreaking and dire.

“This trip made clear what we already knew: while Washington needs to ensure that migrants in our custody are treated with the care and respect they deserve, we must also focus on fixing the real fear and credible threats of violence that drive families to flee the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The bill we passed yesterday will investigate the root causes of migration from these countries and will identify what economic growth and foreign aid strategies could combat corruption and bolster security.

“Parents won’t risk their children’s lives and leave home unless they have to. I stand ready to work with my colleagues to improve conditions in Central America, and ultimately, on comprehensive immigration reform that supports our economy, secures our borders and is consistent with American values.”