Photo of the U.S. Capitol dome

Republicans Fight for American Taxpayers

August 3, 2007
Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2007

CONTACT: Ryan Murphy
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 689-4825 (Cell)

Republicans Fight for American Taxpayers

- Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement today regarding actions taken by the Democrats to overrule a vote on the House floor and give taxpayer dollars to illegal aliens.

“Last night, I joined over 160 Republicans in protesting an undemocratic effort by the majority to overrule a vote that would have kept American taxpayer dollars out of the hands of illegal aliens. Despite the fact that the vote was a clearly marked victory, it was instead declared as having failed to pass.

“The vote supported by the Republicans would have sent the agricultural funding bill back to the committee so it could be amended to bar illegal aliens from receiving any federal money in the legislation. Just the day before, the Democrat leadership extended taxpayer paid health insurance to illegal aliens. Republicans wanted to put a stop to this practice.

“All nations have immigrants and border entry laws which should be enforced. To willfully extend benefits like health care and welfare to illegal immigrants is incorrect and a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars. It limits our citizens’ access to benefits, and it rewards people who by their presence are lawbreakers.

“The success of the vote referred the bill back to the committee, so that it could be amended properly. Any subsequent vote that was taken regarding the agricultural funding bill was out of order and should not have been held. Therefore, with all votes under proper order having been completed, our unprecedented response was to stage a walk out of the chamber.

“The actions taken by the majority declared that vote totals did not matter. This makes voting irrelevant until order is restored.

“This insult to the American people of failing to address the issue of illegal aliens must stop. Republicans are relentlessly standing firm for our security, our sovereignty, and the American taxpayers.”

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