I wish you could have been there. I didn’t think anything could top yesterday’s Senate hearing, but today’s press conference with Congressman Mike Honda was incredible. Member after member stood up to proclaim their support for this historic bill . . . and their support for lesbian and gay families.  Neil Abercrombie, Tammy Baldwin, Mazie Hirono, our own Jerrold Nadler and Sheila Jackson-Lee were there.  Immigration groups and faith groups came together in one room, for one cause, and embraced Honda’s inclusion of our families in The Reuniting Families Act. 

Judy Rickard was there, too, with her partner, Karin.  They both played an instrumental role in making sure we were part of RFA.  And Shirley Tan, her partner Jay, and their sons Joriene and Jashley were with us, too.  In fact, Congresswoman Lee embraced Jashley during her remarks and, when she asked why he was in there, he replied “For my mom.”

With three words, Jashley pretty much summed up the feeling all of us at Immigration Equality were sharing right then.  In room 441 of the Cannon office building, Congress had what Oprah would call an “Aha! Moment.”

We were there for Jashley’s mom . . . Judy and Karin . . . and all of you.  And it was a moment like no other.  In just two days, two bills that include our families became front-and-center news in the nation’s capital.  There’s no mistaking that the welcome mat has been put out for us. 

For the first time, we are part of a broad, comprehensive immigration bill.  And the significance of that cannot be over-stated. 

If you haven’t already done so, ask your Member of Congress to sponsor Congressman Honda’s bill.  This is a teachable moment for America, and an unprecedented opportunity for our families.