Napolitano Calls on Congress to Pass the DREAM Act
(WASHINGTON, DC) Yesterday, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) delivered the following statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives as part of an effort to force a vote on H.R. 3440, the DREAM Act:
"I thank the gentlelady for yielding. DREAMers embody our American ideals, values, and everything we hold dear. They are proud servicemembers, students, teachers, health care workers, first responders, and entrepreneurs. The DACA program has allowed many of them to build a life here and make positive, significant contributions to the U.S. economy and their communities.
"DACA recipients, in fact, earn higher wages and will contribute an estimated $460 billion to the U.S. GDP over the next decade. It is no wonder employers and corporate America are demanding a solution. The economic case for passing the DREAM Act is strong. It is not just the right thing to do for our economy, though, it is the right thing to do, period.
"H.R. 3440, the DREAM Act, builds on these great successes and honors our history and heritage, as we are a proud nation of immigrants from all over the world! Poll after poll reflects overwhelming support for allowing DREAMers to remain permanently in the U.S. Nearly 8 in 10 voters, including almost 3/4 of Trump voters, agree on this. Only 14 percent believe they should be forced to leave.
"The faith community is also imploring Congress to do what is right, compassionate, and just. Just this morning I met with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, who said this is about human dignity and how we treat people. They understand the weight of our inaction and indecisiveness. Anxiety and hopelessness continue to grow as the President dithers. We are now less than one month away from the end of the 6-month delay period set by President Trump to fix the mess he created. No more delaying. No more inaction.
"DREAMers kept their promise to the only nation they know and love. Our government must honor its commitment to protect them and their families. Mr. Speaker, this is the 20th time we have asked for a vote on the clean DREAM Act. All we are asking for is a vote. Give us a vote, so we can give young immigrants, their families, employers, teachers, coworkers, and friends some certainty and peace of mind.
"I ask my colleagues to vote against the Previous Question so that we can immediately bring the DREAM Act to the Floor and finally do what is right for our young people and for our country. I yield back."
If successful, the bipartisan DREAM Act would have been immediately brought to the floor for a vote. Unfortunately, House Republicans blocked Napolitano's effort to allow a vote or even debate the bill.
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