MIAMI – On Tuesday, February 3rd, the U.S. Senate failed to advance a bill, the Department of Homeland Security funding bill (HR 240), which included harmful amendments to stop the implementation of President Obama’s Executive Action on immigration that could potentially benefit up to 5 million immigrant workers.
Florida Senator Bill Nelson voted against allowing the bill to move forward. Unfortunately, Senator Marco Rubio voted with the majority of his Party in favor of bringing the bill to the Senate floor. The bill finally stalled in the Senate with a 51-48 vote, as the Republicans failed to get the 60 votes needed to move the bill forward for debate.
“This political theater is not the leadership we need and deserve. Senator Rubio is smart enough to know that this vote was symbolic, yet hurtful. But most importantly Senator Rubio, the son of immigrants, knows that 235,000 Floridians will have potentially life-changing opportunities with a work permit and drivers’ license. We are disappointed that he is turning his back on families he once said he supported,” says Maria Rodriguez, Executive Director for the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
Over 70 organizations and leaders in Florida have signed a letter in support of the President’s Executive Action on Immigration. The letter can be found online (http://bit.ly/SupportDAPA) and the most updated list of signatures is attached.
