U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) on March 13 introduced a resolution to invoke a rule that would quickly bring four immigration reform bills to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives without pre-approvals from House leaders.
“President Trump set a deadline for Congress to act, and we have failed to put in place a permanent solution for DACA recipients, many of whom are just one court ruling away from being deported from the only country they have ever known,” said Rep. Denham, referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy.
“We have several viable solutions stuck in committee, unable to advance for debate and amendment. The gridlock simply cannot continue. We are running out of time to deliver on our promise to Dreamers,” the congressman said.
Rep. Denham’s House Resolution (H.Res.) 774 would bring to the floor for consideration the Securing America’s Future Act of 2018, H.R. 4760; the Dream Act of 2017, H.R. 3440; the Uniting and Securing America (USA) Act of 2018, H.R. 4796; and a fourth immigration bill to be chosen by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI).
If enacted, H.Res. 774 would allow bill sponsors to amend language prior to debate and to eventually vote, according to information provided by Denham’s office. In such a vote series, the bill that would receive the highest number of votes over 218 would pass the House under a rule known as “queen-of-the-hill,” which Denham’s staff said is rarely invoked, but was successful utilized in 2015 when multiple budget proposals were considered.
“While there are certainly differing opinions on how to proceed on these issues, a number of serious proposals have been introduced, and members of Congress should have the opportunity to debate these proposals,” Rep. Denham said.
H.Res. 774 has 37 cosponsors. U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Susan Brooks (R-IN), Dan Donovan (R-NY), Don Bacon (R-NE), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Bill Shuster (R-PA), and John Katko (R-NY) signed on as original cosponsors. Also joining as cosponsors were U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL), Charlie Dent (R-PA), Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Ryan Costello (R-PA), Bruce Poliquin (R-ME), Tom Reed (R-NY), Tom Rooney (R-FL), and Erik Paulsen (R-MN).
Introduced by U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) in January, H.R. 4760, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise immigrant visa provisions, eliminate the diversity visa program, adjust annual immigration levels and increase the limit on the number of employment-based immigrants. The bill has been referred to the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.
Introduced by U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) in July 2017, H.R. 3440 would grant lawful permanent resident status to those who have been in the country for four years prior to the bill’s enactment, were younger than 18 when they entered the country, meet educational requirements, and haven’t been convicted of federal or state offenses. Additionally, the bill would grant permanent residence on a conditional basis for DACA recipients, unless they’ve engaged in disqualifying conduct. The bill has been referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.
Introduced by U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) in January, H.R. 4796 would grant conditional permanent resident status to DACA recipients and others who have been in the country since at least Dec. 31, 2013, were younger than 18 when they entered, and meet additional criteria. The bill has been referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.
H.Res 774 has been referred to the House Rules Committee.