Providing for Consideration of H.R. Build Back Better Act; and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

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Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule and the Build Back Better Act. There are so many important provisions of this legislation, but I want to highlight just a few of the Judiciary Committee's contributions, which invest in our communities, our economy, and our people.

We invest in communities by supporting community violence intervention programs, and we invest in our economy by providing resources to the antitrust enforcement agencies for their work to protect competition.

We also invest in people by improving our immigration system to provide protections and stability to those who have made significant contributions to our economy.

This legislation provides an opportunity for immigrants who have lived here since January 1, 2011, to receive temporary protection from removal, as well as work permits, if they are not inadmissible on criminal, national security, or other grounds.

While this is not the permanent protection so many of us wanted, the peace of mind that comes along with protection from deportation is life changing for these people and their families. This legislation will provide security and stability to millions of people, including an estimated 1.6 million Dreamers, 1 million farmworkers, and 2.6 million other essential workers who kept us safe during the pandemic.

The bill would also restore the availability of over 400,000 unused immigrant visas lost due to COVID-19 or bureaucratic delay and would enhance green card processing.

This historic and transformative legislation makes the investments we need to continue growing our economy and strengthening our communities for many years to come. I urge all of my colleagues to support the rule and the Build Back Better Act.

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