Speech #1140082666

I rise in opposition to H. Res. 639. This bill would allow Speaker RYAN. on behalf of the House. to file an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case on expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA). An amicus brief submitted by the House of Representatives should convey the sentiments of the entire House and not just those of the Republican partya party whose frontrunner in the presidential campaign has maligned our immigrant communities with hateful and demeaning rhetoric. The Speaker and his party do not speak for the whole House on this matter. and they certainly do not speak for me. I support the presidents executive actions to expand DACA and implement DAPA. Every president for more than fifty years. regardless of party. has taken executive action on immigration. including Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. President Obamas actions are a step forward in allowing more people to come out of the shadows to participate more fully in our communities. If Speaker RYAN and House Republicans are serious about reforming our broken immigration system. they should not waste time and taxpayer money on partisan political stunts. Instead. I call on the Speaker to bring his caucus to the table to help negotiate a sensible. bipartisan immigration reform package that will enhance our national security. protect the dignity of families. grow our economy. and put millions of immigrants on a path to citizenship.