Post by bot on Jul 30, 2017 19:21:39 GMT -5
Hoyer Remarks at Press Conference Introducing The American Hope Act
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-IL), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and House Democrats to introduce the American Hope Act, which would provide DREAMers with a pathway to citizenship. Below is a transcript of his remarks:
“I was proud to be Majority Leader when we brought the DREAM Act to the Floor. This is about dreams, but it’s also about the American dream, the hope that America offers people. I want to join CHC Vice Chair Joaquin Castro; my dear friend, Luis Gutiérrez; my dear friend, Lucille Roybal-Allard; and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, I want to congratulate you for the extraordinary leadership you’ve shown as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee that has the responsibility and jurisdiction.
“DREAMers –who came to this country as children through no fault of their own – were brought here, and as has been said, many of them know no other country than this great country. They’re just as American, as me, as you, and as all of us.
“I am proud to stand with Rep. Gutiérrez, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and with the members and Chair Judy Chu of the Congressional Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus, which is a growing caucus, to support this aptly named American Hope legislation.
“This bill would protect all DREAMers from deportation. The point has been made, that they came forth at the request of their government, gave information, because they were getting hope in return. Let us not dash that hope and strike it to the ground.
“It would create a pathway to citizenship, the Hope Act, created for DREAMers through a five year process and the opportunity to become citizens, which they are, as has been said, in every respect except their paperwork. Zoe, you said that.
“It is shameful, sad, inappropriate that the Trump Administration is going after even those, the President himself ought to be able to say ‘you are welcome here.’ This is yet another example of why Congress must work on achieving, as has been said, comprehensive immigration reform that includes a way for DREAMers and their families – who are making such a positive contribution to our economy, to our culture, and to our country – to stay here as citizens.
“Immigrants are not a burden on this country. Indeed, they are one of the great strengths of this country. Let’s bring this bill to the Floor.
“I agree with Leader Pelosi, I’m the vote counter. If this bill came to the Floor, it would pass with a majority of votes in the House of Representatives. In my opinion, it would pass with every Democratic vote and a significant number of Republican votes. I’ve talked to Republicans who say, ‘I’m for the DREAMers.’
“I hope the Speaker will allow this bill to come to the Floor. The Speaker has said that he would not shirk from considering the tough issues. I don’t think this is a tough issue, but we ought not to shirk from considering it and allowing, as the Speaker says, ‘the House to work its will.’ That’s what the American people expect, that’s what we expect, that’s what the DREAMers expect. Let’s not fall short of our responsibility.”