Two years ago tomorrow, the U.S. Senate passed an overwhelmingly bipartisan bill that would have reformed our broken immigration system. It would have taken the over 11 million undocumented immigrants across our country out of the darkness and put them on a tough but fair pathway to citizenship.
But surprise, surprise, House Republicans refused to even consider the legislation.
Two of those Republicans stand out: California Central Valley Congressmen Jeff Denham and David Valadao.
Both members boast about their commitment to immigration reform, and yet they both rejected a vote on the Senate bill. They tout their support for the Latino community, yet Valadao voted against the California DREAM Act and Denham once called for the deportation of all undocumented immigrants and supported Arizona’s 2010 anti-immigrant law.
“Congressman Valadao and Congressman Denham may try to talk the talk on immigration reform, but they certainly don’t walk the walk,” said Barb Solish of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Central Valley Californians deserve more than half-hearted promises and doomed piecemeal bills – they deserve results.”
Background:
Denham Opposed The Senate Immigration Bill. In August 2013, Denham’s spokeswoman, Jordan Langdon, said Denham would oppose the Senate comprehensive immigration reform bill if it came up for a vote. [Washington Post, 8/27/13]
Valadao Opposed Discharge Petition To Bring Senate Immigration Bill Up For A Vote In The House. In February 2014, Valadao opposed Sen. Chuck Schumer’s proposal to use a discharge petition to bring the Senate comprehensive immigration reform bill to a vote in the House, saying “No, there’s just no way.” [Politico, 2/28/14; 91.3 HQR, 2/13/14]
Valadao Voted Against The California Dream Act. In 2011, Valadao voted against AB 130 and AB131, dubbed the California Dream Act. [AB130, 5/05/11; Reuters, 7/25/11; AB131, 9/02/11; Reuters, 10/08/11]
Denham Called For Deportation Of All Undocumented Immigrants. In 2010, when asked whether illegal immigrants should be “arrested, detained and deported,” Denham said, “Yes.” [Tower Theater Republican Primary Debate, 5/17/10: Question, 11:51; Denham Answer, 16:11]
Denham Backed Extreme Arizona Anti-Immigration Law. During the Tower Theater Republican Primary Debate in May 2010, Denham said, “I applaud what Arizona has done.” [YouTube, 16:47, Tower Theater Republican Primary Debate, 5/17/10]