Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) along with a group of over 100 bi-partisan members of Congress signed a discharge petition on H.R. 4088, the Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act.   When signed by a majority of the members of the House, a discharge petition requires House Democratic leaders to bring the bill to the floor for a straight up-or-down vote.

"This House has made the time to debate steroids in baseball and name hundreds of post offices. Why won't it make time to address bi-partisan solutions to our porous national borders,” asked Brady.

Brady, a GOP Deputy Whip, urged other members of Congress to sign the discharge petition. "No longer will Democrat leaders be able to hide from this critical issue facing our country.  The time to act is now,” said Brady.

The SAVE Act currently has 141 co-sponsors, including 49 Democrats.  It emphasizes border security with more border agents and detention beds, employment verification and interior enforcement; all key issues of immigration reform. 

“With worsening illegal immigration year after year, it is high time that we focus our efforts on these core elements,” said Brady.  “My Texas constituents are willing to consider a true temporary worker program at some point, but not until they are convinced the federal government is serious about securing our borders and enforcing existing laws against illegal immigration."

Brady favors closing the back door of illegal immigration so the front door of legal immigration can remain open.  He welcomes immigrants who want to better their lives and contribute to America's future, but insists they do it through the front door, legally.

Congressman Kevin Brady is a six-term Member of Congress who sits on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Joint Economic Committee