[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 25, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SPECIAL IMMIGRANT VISA PROGRAM

  (Mr. BLUMENAUER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, for the past 5 years, I have been 
working to try and help keep the promise we made to Iraqis and Afghans 
who helped our soldiers in those battles that we will protect them as 
we leave. Because they helped America, their lives are in great peril 
to people who have long memories and who hate America.
  The Special Immigrant Visa program that would allow them to come to 
the United States is a mess. It doesn't work very well. It's slow and 
convoluted. But now it's going to expire in 5 days.
  We have a no-cost solution to at least allow the program to continue 
to limp along; but the House Judiciary Committee, despite broad 
bipartisan support for this no-cost, simple solution, has refused so 
far to be able to move it forward.
  Every Member of the House should insist that we keep our obligation 
to these people who helped our soldiers and be able to protect them and 
their families. It's our moral obligation. I strongly urge each Member 
to make their views known.

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