[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 26, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H2654-H2655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           IMMIGRATION REFORM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Cardenas) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARDENAS. Madam Speaker, this week, the nonpartisan Congressional 
Budget Office told us that the bipartisan, comprehensive immigration 
reform legislation in this House, H.R. 15, will reduce the deficit by 
$900 billion over the next 20 years--$200 billion in the first decade 
alone.
  In today's economy, immigration reform is a vital lifeblood. By 
adding 11 million to our workforce here in the United States, our 
economy will continue driving our recovery. This influx of workers will 
increase consumption, pushing businesses to grow and hire more 
employees to meet their new consumers' needs.
  Thanks to the Congressional Budget Office's report, we are reminded 
that bringing 11 million hardworking men and women out of the shadows 
is not simply a moral battle, it is not only an attempt to legalize 
millions of hardworking people who are already here in our country, it 
is an opportunity for us to create employment for our fellow Americans. 
It will supercharge the economy of this great Nation.
  I think it is important for all of America to understand that 
comprehensive immigration reform is the best thing that we can do for 
our economy. The economists have reminded us of that. But, 
unfortunately, ladies and gentlemen, what stands in the way is a

[[Page H2655]]

decision by the Speaker of this House to just offer the opportunity to 
put that bill on this floor so that we as Members of Congress can vote 
on this legislation.
  Should it pass, should it fail, that is the objective as to why we 
are elected to this House--so that we can debate, so that we can 
deliberate, so that we can help make decisions that move this country 
forward.
  All we are asking is that we have the opportunity to vote on the 
floor of the United States Congress on a bill, an issue, that will 
unleash this economy, and that is something that I think every American 
wants to see happen.
  We have millions of Americans who are out of work. Some have been out 
of work for years. This comprehensive immigration reform will unleash 
this economy and create more jobs for American citizens more than 
anything that this Congress can do today.
  I think it is incumbent upon every American to urge your 
congressional Member to vote on comprehensive immigration reform. 
Should they choose to vote ``no'' or choose to vote ``yes,'' that is 
the prerogative of that elected official. Unfortunately, the Speaker of 
this House will not give us that opportunity.
  Once again, Americans, the best thing that we can do as a country is 
to get our economy back on track and allow hardworking Americans the 
opportunity to go back to work, to have the dignity of bringing home a 
paycheck for them and their families.
  Comprehensive immigration reform is that answer. The economists have 
said so. But, unfortunately, some politicians refuse to face reality 
and refuse to supercharge the American economy. We are just one vote 
away, one opportunity away, from doing that.

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