DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement after Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered a marathon speech to fight for Dreamers.

“It shouldn’t take an eight-hour speech to convince Republicans to do the right thing and pass the Dream Act. But unfortunately, that’s what it has come down to. Today, Nancy Pelosi not only stood up for American Dreamers, but she stood up for American values, and the Democratic Party stands with her and the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers who are being held hostage by Republicans in Congress.

“Republicans should stop playing games with Dreamers’ lives, stop threatening to shut down our government, and stop putting our economic and national security at risk. It’s long past time for them to start working with Democrats to serve the American people, including American Dreamers. These are our neighbors and friends, our classmates and co-workers. It’s time to stand up for what is right and just. It’s time to pass the Dream Act.”