WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31) today issued the following statement:
“I continue to be optimistic that this Congress will finally take up and pass comprehensive immigration reform before the year’s end. Momentum continues to build for a comprehensive immigration bill and eyes are beginning to open to the idea that an enforcement-only approach is not workable or effective.
“Much has been said of late about the Senate compromise and the reasons for which it was not brought up for a vote. Well, it is my belief that Senator Reid was absolutely right to do what he did to ensure the integrity of the Republican-crafted compromise that was embraced by an overwhelming number of senators including nearly the entire Democratic Caucus and Majority Leader Bill Frist. Democrats were ready and eager to vote for the language that was crafted by Sens. Martinez and Hagel. Unfortunately, Senate procedural practices got in the way of bipartisan progress when countless amendments were filed in order to kill the bill. If Sen. Reid had not stood his ground, the immigration debate would have come to a screeching halt.
“Fortunately, the issue remains very much alive. The American public is anxious for Congress to act. The blame game must now come to an end as partisan bickering will do no good in what must be a bipartisan debate. I would encourage the Senate leadership to revisit comprehensive immigration reform immediately upon returning from recess.”
# # # Becerra.House.gov # # #