The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $4.5 billion funding bill to provide humanitarian assistance and address the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

On Tuesday, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act passed (230-195 votes) despite a veto threat from the White House. The bill is expected to face resistance form Republicans in the Senate.

Amendments were inserted before House votes on the legislation

On Monday night, some Democrats raised their concerns to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. As a result, amendments were inserted in the initial bill.

House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Nita Lowey added a provision mandating the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to “establish plans, standards, and protocols to ensure the health and safety of adults and children in departmental custody, including standards for medical care and medical emergencies; nutrition, hygiene, and facilities; and personnel training.”

Additionally, it requires the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to set a limit of 90 days for any unaccompanied child to spend at an influx shelter unless there is a written notice to Congress that there is insufficient space at state-licensed facilities and to process a transfer.

Furthermore, it prohibits the HHS Secretary from waiving certain requirements of the Flores Settlement for contractors.

Moreover, it requires Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure access to appropriate translation services for all migrants.

Speaker Pelosi says the bill is “vote against cruel attitude towards children”

In her remarks at House floor on Tuesday, Speaker Pelosi said, “Today, our legislation is a vote against the cruel attitude towards children in this Administration.  This bill does not fund the Administration’s failed mass-detention policy.  Instead, it funds effective, humane alternatives to detention that have a proven record of success.”

She added, “This legislation secures limits on how the money is spent and how the Administration treats children.  And it creates strong oversight by Congress, so we can protect children and ensure that this crisis never occurs again.”

Pelosi also emphasized that the legislation will address the “root causes” of the influx of migrants at the border. It will reverse the Trump administration’s policy that stops humanitarian aid for the Northern triangle countries-- Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Many of the migrants crossing the border and seeking asylum are from these countries, which are experiencing extreme poverty and violence.