The Serrano Report, Vol. X, #23

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Denounces Republican Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown heads towards its third week, Serrano continued to voice his opposition to  the Republican government shutdown.

“People in the Bronx and elsewhere are suffering as a result of the Republican government shutdown,” said Serrano. “From small businesses who cannot get loans to parents who depend upon government assistance, the shutdown is harming people living across this great nation.  The solution is easy and obvious – to reopen the entire federal government.  Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues continue to play political games with the government services that Americans depend upon by refusing to do the right thing unless they get their way.

“Our system works on the basis of compromise, not hostage-taking. It works through reasonable dialogue and through accepting the results of elections. We see the House Republicans repudiating this system and moving to one where they seek to force their views on an unwilling American people. It is deeply dysfunctional and represents a core lack of respect for our American system of checks and balances.

“Let’s build a better nation, not tear apart the one we have built over the centuries. Our system of government, our laws and our behavior as elected officials should reflect our best impulses as Americans. The impulses to help one another and to take care of those in need. The impulse that our nation is strongest when we work together through dialogue and compromise. I believe this is possible and will continue to work towards it. It is required of us as representatives of the American people.”

Serrano Joins Comprehensive Immigration Bill

Last week, Congressman Serrano co-sponsored the House Democrats’ newly introduced comprehensive immigration reform bill, H.R. 15, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.

“I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of our new comprehensive immigration reform bill,” said Serrano.  “While it is similar to the bill that passed the Senate on a bipartisan basis, it takes a more reasonable approach to border security. This bill represents an opportunity to move forward on immigration reform again after months of delay by House Republicans. The time has long since passed to move this process forward, fix our broken immigration system, and provide a path to citizenship for the hard-working immigrants in our community.”

This bill:

• Contains the same provisions from the bipartisan Senate-passed bill that protect our workers, unite families, and offer hardworking immigrants a pathway to citizenship.

• Contains the same provisions from the bipartisan Senate-passed bill that reform our visa programs.

“With provisions like these, I do not see what is preventing the House Republicans from bringing a bill like this to the floor for a vote. Too many families have been torn apart by our broken immigration system. Too many children have seen a parent deported. It is time to pass comprehensive immigration reform.”

The Bronx

Serrano Rallies with Postal Workers

Recently, Congressman Serrano spoke at the Day of Action to Save the Post Office emergency meeting and Rally, held to keep open the Bronx General Post Office. The rally was held by postal workers, the New York Metro Area Postal Union, and other members of the community. The purpose of the meeting/rally was to continue the struggle to stop the sale of the Post Office and to save the services provided by the Postal Service in all parts of our country. "I have included language in an appropriations bill that keeps the postal service from selling any building until the Inspector General has assured that all procedures have been followed including the involvement of the community," said Serrano. "It is important that we all continue to work together to save this landmark and make sure the Postal Service continues to provide the same high level of service it always has."

Serrano speaking at the rally

Serrano Honors Mariano Rivera

On the occasion of the Yankees last home stand this season, the 161st Street Business Improvement District (BID), under the leadership of Dr. Cary Goodman, held a ceremony outside of Yankee Stadium to honor Mariano Rivera for his 19 years of service to the New York Yankees and the community. "It was a great event with lots of people in attendance, music, dancers, and a lot of great tributes to the greatest closer in baseball history," said Serrano. "I was proud to be part of the ceremony and to be able to enter a statement into the Congressional Record honoring him for his outstanding play and his philanthropic endeavors."

Serrano speaking at the ceremony honoring Mariano Rivera