Supporting the Dreams and L.B. 623

Floor Speech

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Mr. ASHFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my unwavering support for the plight and uncertainty that DREAMers face in Nebraska and across the Nation.

Let me start by stating that I unequivocally support the DREAM Act. In Nebraska, the notion of immigration is as bipartisan as the legislative body itself.

As evidence, Republicans and Democrats in the State capitol are backing L.B. 623, introduced by State Senator Jeremy Nordquist. It allows driver's licenses for thousands of Nebraska DREAMers. I wholeheartedly support and endorse this bill. My good friend from across the aisle, State Senator John S. McCollister, is making these licenses his top priority.

By the way, if the name McCollister sounds familiar, it should be. In the early 1970s, John's father, Congressman John Y. McCollister, served the people of Nebraska's Second Congressional District with distinction. His son continues that tradition as he reaches across the aisle in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give our DREAMers a better life than their parents have had.

Again, I pledge today, as I have in the Nebraska legislature, to support the DREAMers. I ask my colleagues in this body and in the Senate to work towards a comprehensive reform package which includes a permanent and certain path for our DREAMer youth.

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