Serrano: Congress Must Get Real on Immigration Reform

Yesterday, Congressman Serrano was one of many to oppose two cruel, immigrant-bashing bills brought to the floor by House Republican leaders.

"Again this Republican-led House has put on a meaningless pre-election show to please xenophobes and bigots," Serrano said. "I’m not against a secure border, but I believe that any reforms must be comprehensive and fair. They must take into account the realities of our situation, not just focus on the ‘immigrant-terrorist’ bogeyman dreamt up as the chief problem."

Despite the fact that both the House and Senate have passed separate immigration reform bills, Republican leaders in both chambers have refused to engage in conference negotiations. The stalled Senate legislation would provide for comprehensive reform, including a temporary guest worker program and a path to legal residency for undocumented immigrants already in the country.

Yesterday’s measures passed over the objections of most House Democrats, but face an uncertain future in the Senate. Republican leaders in both chambers may attempt to underhandedly attach harsh immigration and border enforcement provisions to must-pass spending legislation before the House adjourns next week.

House Repulicans Vote to Disenfranchise Poor and Minority Voters

On Wednesday, by a largely party-line vote, the House passed a bill requiring voters to show identification during federal elections. Beginning in 2008, voters would have to show a government-issued photo identification at the polls or mail in copies when voting absentee. In 2010, the identification would also have to demonstrate proof of U.S. citizenship.

The actual purpose of this legislation is to limit the ability of Americans to vote. Requirements for photo identification have been shown to suppress votes of minority and low-income individuals, who are less likely to possess one. The requirement would also adversely affect elderly or disabled voters. Federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections or giving false citizenship information when registering to vote.

"This is a harmful solution to a problem that doesn’t exist," said Congressman Serrano, who strongly opposed the bill. "It’s a sad day for democracy when the Republican majority, even as it insists that it is promoting democracy with its fruitless war in Iraq, has chosen to disenfranchise voters in their own backyard."

Serrano Honored for Commitment to Bronx River and Parks

On Monday, the Bronx River Alliance honored Congressman Serrano during the inauguration of the new Hunts Point Riverside Park for his commitment to parks and the Bronx River. A strong advocate of the Bronx River for over 3 decades, Congressman Serrano has secured over $30 Million in federal funding for the river. These funds have partnered federal agencies with local community groups to clean up and create community access to the river.

The Hunts Point Riverside Park marks the final, southernmost link in the Bronx River Greenway. The network of parks, gardens, community spaces and trails will eventually run the entire length of the Bronx River in the 16th Congressional District. The site, at the end of Lafayette Street, was once marred by abandoned cars and hazardous chemicals, but now provides waterfront access via a pebble beach and a floating dock. The restored site also includes an outdoor stone amphitheatre and family features such as tables, grills, and spray features for children. Thanks to Rocking The Boat and The Point CDC, an adjoining site will provide space for environmental education and waterfront activities.

Serrano Congratulates Center for Sustainable Energy on Clean Fuel Truck

Congressman Serrano sent a letter this week congratulating the Center for Sustainable Energy at Bronx Community College on its introduction of a new clean fuel garbage collection truck. The truck, a 27 cubic yard rear-end loader, runs on compressed natural gas. The letter is excerpted below.

The vehicle "is a testament both to the appetite for innovation that continues to flourish in our borough and to the resolve with which we have come to address air quality concerns in our community," Serrano wrote. "The importance and urgency of the Center’s work has been confirmed by the findings of the South Bronx Environmental Health and Policy Study, another initiative that I have supported, which has documented the links between poor air quality along major roadways and truck routes and the respiratory health of our communities."

Serrano also applauded Clean Energy and Hallahan Trucks for their contributions to the project.