Rep. Adam Schiff (D-California) was in Omaha on Monday campaigning for former Democratic Congressman Brad Ashford in his run to get his old job back in Congress.
Reporter Maya Saenz sat down with Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee and Ashford to discuss DACA.
After President Trump said "No more deal on DACA" over the weekend and blamed Democrats for the inability to reach a deal on Dreamers, Schiff of California, a state that has vocally supported Dreamers and sanctuary cities says Trump's words were disappointing.
"At times he has said that his heart beats for the dreamers and other times he seems to care a little about them, except as a bargaining chip. So it was disappointing to hear, especially on Easter, these harsh comments indicating that he wasn't particularly concerned with what happened to them or wasn't willing to make a deal," said Schiff.
Schiff added he wasn't surprised the blame landed on the Democrats.
"He's been consistent with one thing and that is that he likes to blame the other side for any problem," said Schiff.
Ashford said the lack of governing from both parties is not fair for Dreamers. He said if elected, he would support a Dream Act.
"We're using immigration as a political football and it's terrible, it's awful for the kids and the families who are impacted most directly," said Ashford.
With thousands of Dreamers, including more than 3,000 in Nebraska, waiting to see what Congress does or doesn't do, Schiff says he hopes both parties can work together and find a resolution.
"The reality is that if you took the Dream act up in the House, it would pass. You could take it up as a standalone measure and it would pass. the leadership won't bring it up for a vote though because they want to use it as leverage for something else," said Schiff.
In response to Trump's comments over the weekend, current Congressman Don Bacon (R), who will run against Ashford or Democratic candidate Kara Eastman, told 3 News Now in a statement, "My position remains the same. We need a permanent solution for DACA youth that enables them to continue to live, work, go to school, and make a positive impact in Nebraska and our nation; while also strengthening our border security and reforming our immigration system. When I talk to constituents, they tell me they want a permanent solution for DACA so it doesn’t become a reoccurring problem. They also stress the need and desire for border security."
Eastman also sent a statement to 3 News Now saying, "It is immoral for our respresentatives to be using DACA recipients as political playing cards. Dreamers are Nebraskans, who call America home and contribute to their communities. They deserve to be treated with compassion. I support a Cleam Dream Act."
