When Congressional Republicans shut down the government, their goal was clear: use the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as leverage to destroy any compromise on protecting Dreamers. Despite widespread, bipartisan support among everyday Americans for preserving both the DACA and CHIP programs, the GOP showed the world that its priority is pandering to its xenophobic base.
As California Democrats, our goal is also clear: we refuse to trade children’s healthcare for humane treatment of our Dreamers. That’s what being an effective and principled opposition to Trump and the GOP looks like. We are proud that our leadership here in Sacramento has taken this responsibility seriously, passing tough protections for our communities and our environment and pledging to fight the Trump administration’s attempt to roll back hard-won progressive victories.
But we also need strong leadership from Democrats in Washington. Unfortunately, today Senate Minority Leader Schumer gave the GOP exactly what they wanted, and despite strong opposition from both Californians in the Senate, made a deal with one of the most unstable and incompetent GOP teams in American history. Without securing an agreement to protect Dreamers, Schumer’s deal kicks the fiscal can down the street to another inevitable showdown in February. We don’t trust Mitch McConnell, and we don’t trust Donald Trump.
Lets stand together as Californians and demand that legislation preserving DACA be part of any future reconciliation agreement in Washington. All governance takes compromise, but it cannot be on the backs of hard-working young people who have broken no laws and are asking only for an equal shot at the American dream.
Call Senator Schumer and tell him that California Democrats are united behind Dreamers and want leadership in Washington that shares that commitment.
Senate Minority Leader
Chuck Schumer
Washington, DC Office Phone:
(202) 224-6542
In Solidarity,
Daraka Larimore-Hall, Vice Chair
California Democratic Party