Lucille Roybal-Allard: “Let me begin by thanking my cosponsors, Nydia Velazquez and Yvette Clarke, Judiciary Chairman Nadler, Chairman Lofgren…”

“Let me begin by thanking my cosponsors, Nydia Velazquez and Yvette Clarke, Judiciary Chairman Nadler, Chairman Lofgren, the Judiciary Committee, and especially Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal for the extraordinary work they did in bringing this bill to the floor. Today is truly a historic day for our country. It will be the first time the House of Representatives will pass a Dream Act under regular order, sending a strong message that Dreamers and TPS and DED recipients truly belong in America and contribute greatly to its success. The American Dream and Promise Act is landmark legislation that will provide 2.1 million Dreamers with hope, security, and the opportunity to become American citizens. We would not be here today without the tireless work of Dreamers and TPS and DED recipients who bravely and publicly shared their stories with Members of Congress and our Nation. Their stories of endurance, resourcefulness, and heartbreak, coupled with their love of America, is what inspired me in 2001 to introduce the first Dream bill, a bipartisan bill known as the Student Adjustment Act, with former Congressmen Howard Berman and Chris Cannon. One such story is of Josue, a student studying aerospace engineering. He dreams of contributing to the advancement of space exploration and is one of many Dreamers who will produce a new generation of scientific research that will help shape our country's future.…”