[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 11083]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              IMMIGRATION

  (Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago tomorrow, 
the Senate passed bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform. 
Democrats and Republicans worked together to pass a bill that is good 
for our economy, strengthens our security, and recognizes the 
contributions that immigrants make to our country.
  This bill represents a good faith compromise by our Senate colleagues 
to find common ground. Over the past year, House Republicans failed to 
even bring an immigration bill up for a vote.
  Earlier this year, Republican leadership outlined their principles 
for immigration reform, yet failed to introduce a bill based on these 
principles. They have claimed they want to pass reform, but their 
actions fail to match the rhetoric.
  Instead of bringing up comprehensive legislation that spurs economic 
growth and lowers the deficit, we have seen attacks on DREAMers and 
excuses for inaction.
  Mr. Speaker, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate have acted. 
Democrats in the House support reform and have also introduced a bill. 
A broad coalition--from the high-tech sector to law enforcement, the 
faith community to agriculture--backs reform.
  The American people overwhelmingly favor a comprehensive bill. The 
only ones standing in the way are House Republicans. It is time to do 
what is right for our country and bring comprehensive immigration 
reform up for a vote now.

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