Zoe Lofgren: “We have heard some very eloquent comments today. I was particularly taken by my colleague from South Carolina (Mr.…”

“We have heard some very eloquent comments today. I was particularly taken by my colleague from South Carolina (Mr. Gowdy), the chairman of the committee, his passionate speech about the rule of law. In fact, we all do agree about the importance of the rule of law in American life and in the vitality of our country. Unfortunately, the facts of this case have nothing to do with the speech given by Mr. Gowdy. On November 20, 2014, a number of memoranda were issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security. One of them is titled: ``Policies for the Apprehension, Detention and Removal of Undocumented Immigrants.'' That was pursuant to the 2002 action of this Congress, creating the Department of Homeland Security and directing the Secretary to establish priorities for removal. And it is worth pointing out that this memorandum has not been enjoined. Nobody sued to stop it. It is in effect. Nobody has challenged its legality. It is what is happening right now. In fact, the only things that have been enjoined temporarily are the DAPA, the relief for parents, and the expansion of relief for children. My colleague, who I respect and like, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe), did mention that the deferred action provides benefits, health care, and education. In fact, the deferred action provides no such benefits. It is not a legal status. It is a deferral of deportation. It is revocable at any time.…”