With House Republicans continuing to block a vote on bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-Tampa/St. Petersburg) took action today to force a vote on HR15, the bipartisan Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This legislation would provide an earned pathway to citizenship, reduce the deficit and create jobs.

“Businesses, universities, churches and citizens across the Tampa Bay area are urging action on comprehensive immigration reform. Our community has a great deal to gain if Republicans in the U.S. House would allow a vote,” Rep. Castor said. “This is a jobs bill and the time is now to vote on this reform measure. It has received widespread support across Florida due to the boost to the economy and the millions of jobs it would create.” 

Congressional Democrats today filed a discharge petition that would force the Speaker to take a vote on the Senate-passed bill.

In addition, Rep. Castor supported a procedural vote today to immediately address comprehensive immigration reform. Nevertheless, House Republican leadership defeated that effort. 

“It has been almost nine months since the Senate passed its bipartisan immigration reform legislation by an overwhelming margin. The Senate’s legislation would pass in the House if brought to the floor for a vote, but the House Republican leadership continues to block a vote and instead waste time on small measures and bills that do not address the larger problems facing the country.”

A report from the Congressional Budget Office released Tuesday found that HR15 would reduce the deficit by $900 billion over the next two decades – including $200 billion in the first decade alone. The bill has 200 co-sponsors, including three Republicans.

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