Rep. Valadao Explains Queen of the Hill Resolution
Press Release
Last week, U.S. Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) backed a resolution to ensure immigration reform legislation is considered in Congress.
Specifically, H.Res. 774, creates a process to bring four separate immigration bills to the Floor for consideration by the United States House of Representatives.
The process, referred to as "Queen of the Hill," provides consideration of H.R. 4760, the Securing America's Future Act but allows for four separate substitute amendments.
Congressman Valadao explained, "When voting on each amendment, Members will actually be voting on one of four popular immigration reform proposals. Whichever proposal receives the most votes, exceeding 218 votes, will be adopted by the House." He continued, "For far too long, Congress has failed to act responsibly and take up immigration reform legislation. This Resolution forces Congress to do what they were elected to do -- debate and vote on critical policy and I look forward to moving this debate forward."
In this scenario, Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06) will have the opportunity to offer the first amendment, the most updated version of his legislation, H.R. 4760, the Securing America's Future Act followed by an amendment from Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) to offer the text of H.R. 3440, the DREAM Act. Then, Speaker Ryan and House leadership would have the opportunity to offer immigration legislation of their choice. Finally, Congressman Jeff Denham (CA-10) will be allowed to offer an amendment similar to H.R. 4796, the USA Act, a bipartisan solution that provides a legislative fix for DACA recipients and secures the border.
Regardless of previous votes, whichever amendment receives the greatest number of votes, and exceeds the 218 threshold, will be adopted. Should all bills fail to reach 218 votes, none will be adopted.
During the 114th Congress, the House considered a Queen of the Hill rule on various budget proposals. More information about the Queen of the Hill Rule can be found here. The full text of H.Res. 774 can be found here.
BACKGROUND
On September 5, 2017, President Donald Trump rescinded the Executive Order for DACA recipients, providing Congress a six-months to implement a legislation solution. Despite the Administration's willingness to sign legislation into law, and ongoing pressure from Members, the House of Representatives has yet to consider a single DACA related bill.
Since being elected to Congress, Congressman Valadao has remained dedicated to repairing the broken immigration system of the United States. His personal connection to immigration, combined with the serious impact policy change will have on his constituents, have provided Valadao with a deep understanding of the issue, especially as it relates to agriculture and our guest worker program.
In 2017, Valadao cosponsored H.R. 496, the Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy (BRIDGE) Act and H.R. 1468, the Recognizing America's Children (RAC) Act as well as H.R. 3440, the Dream Act of 2017. Most recently, Congressman Valadao cosponsored H.R.4796, the USA Act which is included in the Queen of the Hill Rule.
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