WASHINGTON — Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC); Ilhan Omar (MN-05), CPC Deputy Chair; and Greg Casar (TX-35), CPC Whip issued the following statement after an internal Congressional Progressive Caucus member survey in which of the vast majority of the 103 members responded. A majority of those respondents said they would oppose a supplemental budget agreement that gives into Republican demands to further damage our broken immigration system by undermining asylum protection, reinstating Trump-era transit bans, and severely restricting the administration’s parole authorities. The remainder of members indicated they were undecided, with virtually no members actively supporting the proposal.
“As Congress returns this week to consider the President’s emergency supplemental funding request for international aid and increased border funding, Republicans are still trying to force their anti-immigrant policies into the legislation. Progressives are clear: we will not play this game.
“House Republicans are trying the same strategy that continues to fail: hold Congress hostage to force their cruel, extreme, and unworkable agenda because they can’t pass it through the regular legislative process. This is the strategy that brought us to the brink of economic default and two government shutdowns. Proposed policies would destroy our U.S. asylum system and endanger immigrant lives while making the situation at the border worse, not better.
“Progressives have fought for decades in Congress to advance comprehensive immigration policy that would uphold U.S. and international law, respect the humanity and dignity of those seeking refuge in this country, and strengthen the U.S. economy. We have passed common sense legislation with bipartisan majorities. Our members are prepared to work with any colleague who wants to advance thoughtful, holistic, and relevant reforms to create a roadmap to citizenship, increase the efficiency of our asylum system, and more — but this extortion is not going to work.
“Progressives reject Republicans’ cynical attempt to imperil the lives of people seeking safety to pass this supplemental funding bill. We call on our Senate Democratic colleagues to stand up for immigrants and the allied communities who sent us to Congress and show Republican extremism for what it is by moving forward an aid package without new anti-immigrant policies.”