LEESBURG, Va. — The Hispanic contingent at the House Democrats’ annual retreat criticized their Senate colleagues for excluding them from negotiations on border security and immigration legislation.
The members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus called it “unacceptable” that Sen. Alex Padilla of California, who serves as the chair of the immigration subcommittee on the Judiciary Panel, was not at the table for the bipartisan dealmaking.
“Where we need to start and go from here is making sure that you do have the CHC at the table,” said Rep. Nanette Barragan of California.
Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Texas said it was important to amplify the message to constituents so that they too can ask why the Congressional Hispanic Caucus is not leading immigration legislation talks.
“We didn’t drive this from the House. Our voices do matter. And they too can be asking the question, ’Why was Alex Padilla not there? Why was Bob Menendez not there? Why was it that one of our senators was not there?’” she said.
Mr. Menendez, New Jersey Democrat, was charged with federal bribery and conspiring to act as a foreign agent. When a slew of Democrats in both chambers called for him to resign, CHC members stood by him.
The Senate border agreement collapsed Wednesday when Republicans mounted a filibuster, saying the deal they helped negotiate was too weak and provided too many caveats to border security requirements.
Democrats said Republicans were more interested in using the issue as a cudgel against President Biden in the campaigns than solving the border crisis.
While the Democratic retreat is hosting panels on the economy, artificial intelligence and abortion rights, there is no dedicated immigration or border panel scheduled at the issues conference. Ms. Barragan responded that the absence of an immigration panel did not mean the issue was not a priority for Democrats, noting that at last year’s retreat, there was a panel devoted to immigration.
“Right now, the American people want to hear about lowering prescription drug prices, they want to hear about lowering costs,” she said.
“It’s about health care. It’s about jobs. It’s about cost. And that’s what we were able to squeeze in. We are continuing the conversation on immigration. It’s front and center. Just because you don’t have a panel, it doesn’t mean these conversations are not happening.”
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, did not respond to a request for a response to the CHC member’s comments.
• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.
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