Bend the Arc: Democrats Must Deliver on Their Promise of a Bold Recovery and Citizenship

Bend the Arc: Jewish Action released the following statement on Friday in response to the continued negotiations over the budget reconciliation bill and the Senate parliamentarian's second ruling on a pathway to citizenship:

"After 40 years of Reaganomics, four years of Trump, and 19 months of a global pandemic, it is long past time for Democrats to take bold leadership and begin to steer our country in the right direction," said Rabbi Jason Kimelman-Block, Washington Director of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action. "Millions of Americans elected Democrats to House and Senate majorities and the White House, and it is time for our leaders to deliver on their promises to make health care affordable, create jobs, and build a better America for all - no matter our color, zip code, or how long we've been here. The need for relief and action, from the ongoing devastation of the pandemic, to generations of disinvestment in Black and brown communities, could not be more urgent."

"An overwhelming majority of voters--across party lines--support a pathway to citizenship that ensures millions of immigrants and their families can work without fear of deportation, detention, and family separation. While the Senate parliamentarian continues to be an obstacle, we're not done fighting for our communities and the millions who must be formally recognized by this country."

"Our future together is too bright to be deterred. Congress has the opportunity to pass a once-in-a-generation investment in health care, climate, jobs, and affordable housing, and it must include citizenship as well. We will continue to fight alongside our movement allies and we have the backs of our Congressional Progressive Caucus champions in Congress who are holding the line to secure the legislation that will provide what our communities need. All Congressional Democrats would be wise to follow their lead."