Norma Torres: “This Congress faces a moral decision that we have put off making for too long, a decision that we cannot put off any…”

“This Congress faces a moral decision that we have put off making for too long, a decision that we cannot put off any longer: Will we stop the deportation of hundreds of thousands of young DREAMers or not? This is not a partisan question. This is a question of who we are as Americans. Are we willing to put partisan games aside? Are we willing to put to an end the fear that DREAMers have, the fear that they have been living with these past few months? We are quickly approaching the year-end deadline for many items this body needs to address. Many of us are looking forward to seeing our families through the holidays. What about the 122 DREAMers that lose protection every day that we don't act? Can they say the same. This is unconscionable. This is not who we are. When I am home, I hear from businesses, school leaders, public officials, religious leaders, and friends, and they all want us to act now, today. Failure to do so will result in tearing families and communities apart. The fix is right here in front of us. H.R. 3440, the Dream Act, is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that will put this issue at rest once and for all. We all know that the votes are here today in this body. Plenty of my Republican colleagues support this legislation. Plenty of my Republican colleagues stand with their business, religious, and community leaders to bring this dream to a reality for the DREAMers. We have been clear.…”