WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Congressional Democrats, and advocates to announce a discharge petition for the American Dream and Promise Act. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

“Thank you all. To all the advocates. To all the partners who are here today. And to all of my colleagues. And thank you Senator Durbin for leading this effort for so many years and for being supportive of this. And a special thanks to my Chief Deputy Whip, the champion behind the American Dream and Promise Act, the trailblazing Sylvia Garcia. I thank all of you for never letting up in this fight. And for forcing all of the Republicans to go on the record.

“With this discharge petition, every single Member of the House is going to tell us where they stand. Do you stand for the most basic values of our republic? Do you believe that our neighbors deserve dignity and safety? Do you believe that kids should be free to live their lives in the only country they’ve ever known? Do you believe in a policy of common sense? Or do you believe in a policy of mindless cruelty?

“I know where I stand. I know where House Democrats stand. And I know where the American people stand. It’s on the side of justice. It’s on the side of decency. It’s on the side of our neighbors.

“So, I’m going to sign this discharge petition for the 88,000 Dreamers and TPS holders who call Massachusetts home. And Democrats are going to keep fighting until we secure the future for all of these Americans once and for all.”

The full press conference can be viewed HERE. Photos of the event can be viewed HERE.

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