On today’s “Al Punto” public affairs show on Univisión, hosted by Jorge Ramos, Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) announced that he will become the first Republican to co-sponsor HR 15, the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.”
The following is a statement by Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice:
“Jeff Denham’s announcement is a major crack in the dam that has been blocking reform from passing the House and become law. This legislation is a sensible, bi-partisan approach to immigration reform. In fact, every provision in this bill has attracted support from Democrats and Republicans in the Senate or the House. I applaud Rep. Denham for taking this important step. Now, Republican leaders need to step up and schedule a vote on broad immigration reform.
“Denham is the first Republican to join this effort, and he’s doing so in response to his constituents. That is democracy in action. Our movement is continuing to pressure all reasonable-minded Republicans and Democrats to do the right thing, cosponsor HR 15, and work together to pass immigration reform that will strengthen our families, communities, and country.
“While some pro-reform Republicans have talked a good game, they have yet to introduce actual legislation or join pro-reform bills like HR 15. We’re pleased that Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV) recently called on Boehner to schedule a vote, and interested in seeing the details behind rumored legislative proposals. It’s time to move from talk to action. It’s long been clear that there exist the votes in the House to pass immigration reform like HR 15 today. We encourage more of the 28 Republicans who have come out publicly for reform with citizenship – and the dozens of other silent supporters who populate the House GOP caucus – to follow Rep. Denham’s example, embrace a bipartisan solution to reform, and ensure that Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) schedule a vote.”
