Tim Walz cited a Bible verse when debating immigration: What to know on his faith
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz cited a Bible verse at Tuesday's CBS News Vice Presidential debate to emphasize why Congress should have passed the bipartisan sweeping border package that the Senate blocked in May.
Walz echoed Vice President Kamala Harris' sentiments at the last debate, arguing the immigration bill would address a host of issues at the southern border, a critical issue for voters. The failed bill aimed to shorten the timeframe for consideration of asylum claims, make it difficult for migrants to qualify and shut down processing of applications from people who crossed illegally.
The Democratic vice presidential nominee said law enforcement not only supported but helped craft the bill, which he said would practically make a difference and "adhere to what we know as American principles."
"I don't talk about my faith a lot, but Matthew 25:40 talks about, 'To the least amongst us, you do unto me,'" Walz said. "Americans, they simply want order to it. This bill does it. It's funded. It's supported by the people who do it, and it lets us keep our dignity about how we treat other people."
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Walz made the comment after his debate opponent, U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) blamed Harris for a rise in illegal immigrants, which he linked to unaffordable housing and the fentanyl crisis. Vance emphasized that in order to address the crisis, law enforcement needs the president to empower agents to do their job.
"You've got housing that is totally unaffordable because we have illegal immigrants to compete with Americans for scarce homes," Vance said. "It is a disgrace, Tim, and I actually think I agree with you. I think you want to solve this problem, but I don't think that Kamala Harris does."
What does Matthew 25:40 say?
Bible verse Matthew 25:40 cites that "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"
What is Tim Walz's religion?
Walz is Lutheran along with more than 20% of Minnesota's population, according to the Pew Research Center.
If elected, Walz would become only the second Lutheran vice president if you don't count Minnesotan Hubert Humphrey, who was raised Lutheran before joining a Methodist church when his family moved to a city where there wasn’t a Lutheran one available.
Contributing: Jeremy Yurow