"Let us hope that our attitude as a nation continues to be defined by the image of the statue of Liberty, and not by shouting protesters holding signs labeled, 'Return to Sender,' as they stand in front of busses full of Central American children."

"Congress has an opportunity – and a responsibility – to act on pragmatic measures before time and resources run out."

"Public support and good economics have not been enough to convince House Republican leaders to hold a vote on immigration reform, but they can't turn a blind eye to the current humanitarian crisis along our southern border."

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 30, 2014) - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivered remarks on the Senate Floor calling for action on the current Central American Refugee Crisis and the bipartisan Senate immigration reform bill that passed more than a year ago.

In his speech, Senator Heinrich emphasized the need to pass the Senate's Emergency Supplemental Funding Bill, a proposal introduced by Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) that includes $2.73 billion to help stem the current Central American refugee crisis.

Senator Heinrich also called for action on the Senate's bipartisan immigration bill that included provisions that would help address the Central American refugee crisis by strengthening the border, protecting children who have been victims of human trafficking, and cracking down on smugglers and transnational criminal organizations.

During his time on the Senate Floor, Senator Heinrich engaged in a conversation with U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (R-Fla.) on curbing drug trafficking, which is fueling violence and corruption in Central America.

VIDEO: Watch Senator Heinrich's floor speech here>>
VIDEO: Watch Senator Heinrich's exchange with Senator Nelson here>>