Speech #1130113744

I will tell you this is a bad bill. Do not pass it. Pass comprehensive immigration reform. Pass it now. Mr. Speaker. I rise in fervid opposition to this Martial Law Resolution and ask that you consider doing comprehensive immigration reforma vote you would not even need to whip. Yet we insist on wasting valuable House Floor time while we could be doing comprehensive immigration reform. comprehensive tax reform. the ExportImport Bank Reauthorization. or the Voting Rights Act. As the GOP Majority reaches further to the antiimmigrant right to scrounge up the votes for what was already an inadequate and heartless proposal. we Democrats have a better idea: comprehensive immigration reform. The bipartisan immigration legislation that passed the Senate over a year ago offers comprehensive answers to the problems with our immigration systembut for more than a year House Republicans have refused to give the American people a vote. The humanitarian crisis at the border is a powerful reminder of the importance of an immigration system that honors our values as a nation. The time is now. While House Republicans search for the compassion to help desperate children. Democrats are demanding a vote on the comprehensive immigration reform our nation needs. The United States is a country made up of immigrants. and it is part of what makes us so strong and vibrant. And while immigration reform remains an unsolved challenge for our nation. House Democrats are leading the way towards comprehensive reform. Indeed. the decision made by President Obama two years ago to defer deportation action against young people who were brought here by undocumented parents but have been raised here in our country was an important step in the right direction. This decision has helped ensure that over halfamillion hardworking. eager. and talented individuals who came here not of their own choice. and who are contributing to our economy and our defense. can remain here and continue to be part of building a strong future for America. Now we are faced.