"Today, I ask that we take a moment of silence for the migrants who have died as they have tried to reach the shores of the America that they dream of," said Rep. Veronica Escobar.
The House passed a Senate version of a border funding bill Thursday aimed at assisting the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The 305-102 vote came after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pivoted from her initial stance, saying the House would "reluctantly" pass it to get resources to migrant children at the border more quickly. The plan allocates money for the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services to provide care there.
For some background, the Senate passed the $4.6 billion spending package on Wednesday. It was considerably different from a previous House version, and there was uncertainty about whether the two chambers could strike a deal.
At the time, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had made it clear that there was no room for movement on some issues in question.
"The United States Senate is not going to pass a border funding bill that cuts the money for ICE and the Department of Defense. It's not going to happen. We already have our compromise. The Shelby-Leahy Senate bill is the only game in town," he said.
After speaking with Vice President Mike Pence Thursday, Pelosi decided the only way to move forward was to approve the Senate's bill as it stood.
On Thursday, Rep. Veronica Escobar got emotional on the House floor ahead of the vote and called for a moment of silence for migrants who've died at the southern border.
"The photograph that all of us saw this week should tear all of us up. For those of us who are parents, to see a toddler with her little arms wrapped around the neck of her father, there is nothing that we wouldn't do for our children," she said. "Oscar and Valeria represent tens of thousands of migrants who have died as they have tried to build a better life for themselves. Only to find that they are demonized and locked out of the promise that those of us who are natural born citizens are so fortunate to enjoy."
Lawmakers had been wanting to get a bill to President Donald Trump's desk before the July 4 congressional recess. He is expected to sign the legislation.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
