Post by bot on Sept 17, 2017 19:04:39 GMT -5
Democrats Continue to Call on Republicans to Bring the DREAM Act to the Floor
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
This week, I worked with my colleagues in Congress and immigration advocates to keep up the pressure on Republicans to bring the DREAM Act to the Floor for a vote. We are exploring every avenue to pass this bill, which would provide a permanent legislative solution to protect DREAMers. Last week, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and I began the process to force a vote on the legislation through what is called a discharge petition. As early as September 25, Members will be able to sign this petition. I am urging Republicans to join us in signing the petition so we can bring the bill to the Floor.
I’m encouraged to hear that the Senate Finance Committee has come to a bipartisan agreement to extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for five years. I continue to urge my Republican colleagues to come to the table to work with Democrats to find a deal on offsets and health extenders that can pass the House and Senate to reauthorize these essential programs. CHIP, a historically bipartisan priority, provides health insurance for nearly 9 million low-income children across the United States. If we do not reauthorize the program, 1.1 million American children will stand to lose coverage. House Democrats stand ready to address these health care priorities, so that we can avoid disruption and ensure continuity of care for children and Americans of all ages.
At the end of this legislative week, the House voted on a partisan funding bill that massively disinvests in our domestic priorities and underfunds programs that keep our country safe. These bills will not go anywhere in the Senate. Instead, Republicans should be working with Democrats on a bipartisan budget agreement. They cannot pass funding bills without Democratic votes, and ought to work with us to adequately fund our nation’s priorities.
Sincerely yours,
Steny H. Hoyer