Representative Wasserman Schultz advocates for Venezuelans amid TPS amendment debate

The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss the Full Committee Markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Bill, focusing on amendments related to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan immigrants.

During the meeting, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida strongly opposed a secondary amendment that aimed to eliminate a previous amendment designed to protect law-abiding Venezuelans fleeing their country’s oppressive regime. She emphasized that TPS is granted on an individual basis, requiring a criminal background check, and criticized the notion that Venezuelan immigrants are inherently criminal. Wasserman Schultz highlighted the dire conditions in Venezuela, where over half the population lives in extreme poverty and lacks access to essential healthcare. She referenced the indictment of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro for alleged narco-trafficking and reiterated the bipartisan support for TPS due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The discussion revealed tensions among committee members regarding the treatment of Venezuelan immigrants. Representative Amadeus, who initially proposed the secondary amendment, later withdrew it, indicating a misunderstanding about the committee's direction. The committee chair suggested a brief recess to allow members to communicate and resolve their differences regarding the amendments.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the committee members were grappling with the implications of their decisions on Venezuelan immigrants and the broader context of U.S. immigration policy. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the lives of many Venezuelans currently residing in the United States under TPS.

The committee's next steps remain uncertain as members seek to clarify their positions and reach a consensus on the amendments related to the Homeland Security Bill.