LATINO LEADERS DECRY SENATE’S SHAMEFUL FAILURE TO PASS THE DREAM ACT – 41 Senators voted to destroy the dreams of some of the best and brightest young students in our community — an act of cowardice that will never be forgotten – failed by 5 votes

Last week the House passed the DREAM Act by a 216-198 vote, but the Senate came up 5 votes short of the 60 needed to end a filibuster, despite winning the support of a majority of Senators.

“In a time of economic crisis and war, this legislation was an American priority, not just one for the Latino community. Today’s failed vote is an indication that an ugly current of nativism is alive and active in the U.S. Senate,” said Lillian Rodríguez-López, chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda.  “It would be an outrageous ploy if a yes vote on this bill was withheld for partisan gain in the next Congress. The DREAM Act would honor and reward those who have shared their gifts and put their lives at risk for our country.  And by harnessing the talent and commitment of so many young people, it would mean a more prosperous nation for all of us.  We are thankful to the leaders in Congress, especially Senator Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, for their work to pass this bill and their commitment to keep fighting.  To those Senators who denied the American dream to so many worthy young people, we will not forget.  We hope that those Senators will soon come to recognize how important the DREAM Act is to our nation’s security and economy.”

In addition to rewarding the academic achievement and military service of thousands of young people by offering a path to citizenship, the DREAM Act would inspire a generation of children to contribute to the strength and success of the United States. The legislation would also reduce the growing federal deficit.  The Congressional Budget Office reported last week that the DREAM Act would create at least $2.3 billion in revenue over the next ten years, cutting the deficit by $1.4 billion.

Today’s version of the DREAM Act is a far cry from what was first offered in 2001 by Senators Richard Durbin and Richard Lugar. The bill is the result of difficult concessions that were made in recent weeks in an effort to build support in the Senate and the House.

Established in 1991, The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA) brings together Hispanic leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. For more information, please visit www.nationalhispanicleadership.org.