Jim Costa: “As this Congress comes to a close and as the 114th begins, I am hopeful that we can come together at some time to pass…”

“As this Congress comes to a close and as the 114th begins, I am hopeful that we can come together at some time to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Unfortunately, time and time again, House leadership has consistently denied a vote on the bipartisan, Senate-passed reform legislation while not even presenting an alternative measure of its own. The Senate- passed plan provides a legal, stable workforce for agriculture and critical protections for those who work to put safe, healthy foods on our Nation's dinner tables. Each day that our immigration system remains broken jobs are lost and our economy struggles. It is unacceptable to put political interests above our national interests. The time to address immigration reform is now. The President's action, mind you, is because this House--its leadership-- has chosen not to act. ____________________”