Comprehensive Immigration Reform
The United States is a nation of immigrants, and we recognize the contributions made by Americans who came to this country from all over the world to make a new home and pursue the American Dream. That’s why House Democrats continue to work for common sense, comprehensive, and balanced immigration reform: reform that secures our borders, respects the rule of law, and provides immigrants with a fair chance of achieving the American Dream. We believe that if you work hard and play by the rules, you should have a chance at building a future here in America. Comprehensive immigration reform would be good for the American economy and help our fiscal outlook. House Democrats have worked to establish a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and T.P.S. and D.E.D. status holders by twice-passing the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act, which Republicans continue to obstruct in the Senate. House Democrats also passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act to reform the H-2A guestworker program to allow those contributing to our agricultural economy to remain in America. President Biden has taken action to restore the DACA program, end wasteful spending on an ineffective border wall, and reaffirm America’s values. Democrats will continue to partner with the Biden Administration to help Dreamers, fix American’s broken immigration system and ensure that it strengthens America and grows our economy.
“I join in marking the 87th anniversary of Cesar Chavez’s birth and celebrating his incredible life and legacy.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
On Monday I gave a speech, hosted by Third Way, on the need to continue to work to put our nation on a fiscally sustainable path. I talked about several items Congress can take action on this year to make progress toward this goal; you can find a full video of my speech here.
“I was proud to sign a petition today that would force a vote on H.R. 15, a bipartisan bill to fix our broken immigration system. Right now, under that system, we lose talented individuals who are forced to return home after earning an advanced degree here in the United States instead of making a new home here, as part of our workforce.
As House Republicans consider the 50th attempt to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act, a long list of critical legislation has not been addressed – and there’s not much hope for the rest of 2014. House Republicans have indicated that they are not interested in making progress on substantive, bipartisan legislation for the rest of the year:
"I want to comment on one of the statements [Majority Leader Cantor] made, which I agree, in which, Mr. Speaker, he just told us, again I agree: 'America doesn't work if middle class families are taking home less.'
And the pressure keeps on building… Now, 636 multi–industry businesses have joined the Chamber of Commerce, the American people, and a broad coalition of groups from around the nation to demand action from Speaker Boehner on comprehensive immigration reform.
“Good afternoon, and congratulations on reaching your eighty-fifth anniversary. I want to extend those congratulations as well to Senator Wendy Davis, who continues to make waves standing up – literally! – for justice, equality, and the rights of every individual in Texas and across our country. And I want to applaud my colleague in the House, Rep. George Miller, for his lifetime of service, especially as an advocate for a public education system that can prepare every student – regardless of background – for an equal chance to make it in America.
I’m pleased that this week Congress passed legislation to ensure that America can pay its bills, providing certainty and stability for our nation’s economy and businesses.
“The President came to Congress and gave a State of the Union and said, look, I'm optimistic, we've come a far pace as you've just outlined very well.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
Instead of taking action on a number of critical issues, this week House Republicans wasted time on partisan legislation. They did not bring to the House Floor legislation to renew emergency unemployment insurance, raise the minimum wage, or ensure America pays its bills. All of these items are critically important, and I will continue to urge action.