05 AUG 2022

Senator Padilla and Latino Leaders Call Upon Senators to Deliver for American Families and Vote NO on Poison Pill Amendments

Click here for recording of the call

WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier today, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Latino leaders held a press briefing to urge Senators to vote NO on poison pill, anti-immigrant amendments that would jeopardize the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The Senate is set to vote this weekend on this reconciliation package that would address inflation, combat climate change, and bring down skyrocketing healthcare costs. On the call, Senator Padilla and Latino leaders alike called on Republicans to stop playing political games and deliver on critical relief for families.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is an opportunity to deliver for American families by lowering costs and taking the most significant action to tackle climate change,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA). “We can’t let Republicans divide us with their poison pill anti-immigrant amendments that are focused on advancing an extreme agenda that hurts working families. Democrats must stay united in preserving the bill, and passing this historic and transformational legislation for the American people.” 

“In the coming days the Senate is set to vote on legislation to combat climate change and bring down skyrocketing healthcare costs. And as the country grapples with record heat waves and rising temperatures as a result of climate change and millions of families still lack access to quality healthcare and struggle with prescription drug costs, this bill is needed" said Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of The Immigration Hub. “It’s crystal clear that Republicans are more interested in using this bill to attack and use immigrants as political pawns and score political points than offer solutions. The Democrats must reject the GOP’s extreme agenda as it takes away our freedoms, divides our communities, and attacks hard working immigrants who are the hard working economic engine of our nation.”

“UnidosUS stands with Senator Padilla as he works to ensure the Manchin-Schumer bill passes without dangerous amendments that demonize communities of color and put this good and much-needed legislation at risk. ” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS. “We urge the Senate to vote down any effort to sabotage this bill and harm the 62 million Latinos who call this country home, 70 percent of whom are essential workers who kept our economy running during the pandemic.”

“The Inflation Reduction Act is a critical step forward to lowering costs for families struggling across the country. It’s no secret that Latinx communities have been disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis, the pandemic, and the economic turmoil that has followed. Through this landmark legislation, Latino communities will receive affordable health care, lower prescription drug costs, access to affordable clean energy, and it will bring us closer to achieving environmental justice,” said Laura Esquivel, Hispanic Federation Vice President, Federal Policy and Advocacy. “We urge lawmakers to pass The Inflation Reduction Act without delay or political gamesmanship. This means voting down any efforts to derail this breakthrough legislation with partisan fear mongering targeting immigrant communities.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.