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1- DACA STRATEGY THREAD. Look. Dems are reluctant, but they really can play hard ball this week to protect Dreamers. DEMAND THEY DO THIS.
2- There should be two must-pass bills in Congress this week: Harvey relief and the DREAM Act. They need to commit to this.
3- Only one of them is scheduled for a vote. The reason is that there is sufficient political pressure for Harvey, but not yet for DREAM.
4- Yes, Dems & Rs have come out against Trump’s decision to eliminate DACA. Great.
5- And yes, we’ve seen a number of Republicans rush to co-sponsor the DREAM Act, and have said Congress should pass it immediately.
6- TALK IS CHEAP. Members of Congress like nothing more than to give a powerful speech and then move on. DON’T LET THEM. We need ACTION.
7- And here’s the thing: nothing is stopping them! Congress can pass the DREAM immediately. The only obstacle is a reluctance to do it.
8- Most Americans public support the *bipartisan* DREAM Act. It would sail through Congress if it were brought up for a vote.
9- So why isn’t it getting a vote? SIMPLE. Right now, Speaker Ryan and Senate Majority Leader McConnell aren’t letting it come to a vote.
10- Dems have power here IF THEY USE IT. McConnell and Ryan don’t want to talk about this now. They want to move on. They want us to forget.
11- This brings us back to the Harvey relief. This is a “vehicle” bill. It’s a “must pass” bill, and other stuff can ride along with it.
12- A must-pass bill is called that for good reason: THERE IS NO WAY IT DOESN’T PASS. And that’s what gives us a chance here.
13- If Dems attach the clean, bipartisan Dream Act to the Harvey aid bill, they’re both guaranteed to pass. They’re both wildly popular.
14- No this won’t jeopardize Harvey relief. Opponents of the Dream Act will say that because they know this will work. That’s why you do it.
15- The only thing in jeopardy are the lives of DACA recipients who have now had their own government betray them.
16- Dem Leadership: Does this strategy make you squeamish? TOO BAD. 800k Dreamers lives are at stake. Play hard ball or get out of the game.
17- Don’t like this strategy? Fine - tell us another way to get the Dream Act through ASAP, and we’ll support it.
18- But here’s what we won’t settle for: vague promises of future action. Dreamers are under attack NOW. Congress must act NOW.
18- Democrats need to understand that. They need to force the question. Refuse to let congress move on. #DefendDreamers THIS WEEK. /end
