Wasserman Schultz Statement on House Yoho Immigration Bill Vote

Washington, DC, December 4, 2014
The President has repeatedly asked Congress to send him a comprehensive immigration reform bill, and in Republicans' refusal to do so, the President has clearly communicated to the American people that he will act within his executive authority – as his Republican and Democratic predecessors have done – to strengthen our borders, bolster our economy, keep families together, and bring dignity to those living in the shadows.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement today after the House passed a bill written by U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho (FL-3) to prevent President Obama from implementing his executive actions on immigration:
“Congressman Yoho and Speaker Boehner are well aware that this provision amounts to nothing more than an outlet for House Republicans to throw another temper tantrum. Our nation’s immigration system is broken, and Speaker Boehner has had 15 months to take up H.R. 15, the House version of the bipartisan immigration reform bill passed by the Senate and backed by wide-ranging business, religious, and community groups. At every turn he has opted not to do so nor has he brought any alternative, comprehensive reform legislation to the House floor for a vote. Today he allowed this mean-spirited bill to pass the House as a gimmick to persuade his Tea Party Republican colleagues not to shut down the government next week.
“The President has repeatedly asked Congress to send him a comprehensive immigration reform bill, and in Republicans’ refusal to do so, the President has clearly communicated to the American people that he will act within his executive authority – as his Republican and Democratic predecessors have done – to strengthen our borders, bolster our economy, keep families together, and bring dignity to those living in the shadows.
“This is no way to legislate, and I fear this is an unfortunate preview of the priorities and actions of the 114th Congress under Republican control.”
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