December 18, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, by a margin of 55 to 41, a majority of Senators in the US Senate voted in favor of moving the DREAM Act towards reality. Regrettably, Republican Senators once again used procedural tactics—the filibuster—to kill the measure despite the majority support.  Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement after the Republican maneuver:

"As a proud American, it is embarrassing to watch a minority of Senators once again block a common sense, bipartisan solution to one of our nation’s most pressing problems.  52 Democratic Senators—a majority of the Senate in and of itself—were joined by 3 Republicans in support of the DREAM Act. But, because Republicans forced the Senate to operate under the 60-vote filibuster threshold, Republicans killed the DREAM Act.

This is not only a setback for the hard working young people who grew up pledging allegiance to our flag and excelling in our schools but a detriment to our country’s future as we miss out on the talents and contributions of these young people.

We will persevere, just like these students have, to do the right thing for our country and keep pursuing the enactment of the DREAM Act and a comprehensive fix to our broken immigration system.  And, we must remember who stood strong with us and who chose to hide behind an abused procedural maneuver.”