Washington, D.C. - California Congresswoman Hilda Solis delivered the Democratic Hispanic Radio Address today. Congresswoman Solis discussed the border security hearings that took place this week, and the fact that they're distractions from the failures of the Republican Party on comprehensive immigration reform and national security. Solis outlined how the Republican Party has in fact stood in the way of vital border security measures, and have done nothing on the matter in the many years they've controlled Congress and the White House.

The audio of the address was broadcast through local Univisión Radio, Latino Broadcasting Company, Radio Fórmula, Radiovisa, Radio Bilingüe, and CNN en Español Radio affiliates.

The audio can be downloaded here.

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The translated text of the address in English appears below:

Good morning. This is Congresswoman Hilda Solis from California for the Democratic Party.

This week our nation celebrated our independence. As we gathered with family and friends, we also honored the sacrifices our brave troops, their families and our veterans are making in service to our great nation. 

I heard from voters in my district about their concerns on issues ranging from skyrocketing gas prices, the importance of increasing the minimum wage, and how America will fight and win the war in Iraq.

While the rest of America celebrated what makes our country great, Republican leaders in the House of Representatives were busy focusing on attacking hardworking immigrants, who cross the border in search of a better life, and a chance at the American Dream for political gain.

As rockets roared out of North Korea this week, Republican Congressmen claimed that the southern border with Mexico is the biggest threat to America's security. But despite their harsh rhetoric Republicans have entirely neglected protecting our borders for the six years they've controlled the White House and the ten they've controlled Congress.

Worse, they've actually blocked Democrats' efforts to increase border security.

When it came to enacting the 9/11 commission recommendations on border security and increased funds for border agents, Republicans voted against it.

When it came to increasing funds for border and transportation security, Republicans voted against it.

And Republicans have voted for massive cuts to homeland security programs including cutting a critical program by 79 percent that helped add100,000 police officers on the streets to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Now, instead of acting to secure our borders and pass comprehensive immigration reform; Republicans are holding hearings and standing in the way. And they're doing it so they can keep scapegoating immigrants because they think that's how they'll win elections in November.

That's wrong. But it's also the wrong way to deal with the very real threats confronting America.

The North Korean rocket launch reminded us that the Republican Administration has failed to address some of those threats. But it's not the only instance. The fact is that threats to our nation's security do not lie solely along our southern border.

It is, after all, the Republican President and the Bush Republicans in Congress who've allowed the Taliban to regain a foothold in Afghanistan, allowed Iran to become an increased threat, and still Osama Bin Laden remains free.

And this president has failed to have a clear plan for success in Iraq, sending our troops without the proper equipment and ignoring the advice of our military leaders on the ground, while the insurgency in Iraq grows.

Border security does matter. But that's not what this week's publicity stunts were all about. The only thing the hearings in San Diego and Laredo proved, is that Americans can't trust Republicans with our security or with immigration reform.

Democrats want to act now, not hold hearings, and pass comprehensive immigration reform that's tough and smart. That means reform that strengthens our borders and keeps our enemies out. That protects wages and workers in this country. That reunites families. And that allows hard working immigrants who come to help build and strengthen our nation, an opportunity to earn the responsibilities of citizenship.

This is Congresswoman Hilda Solis. Join Democrats in calling on Republicans to stop playing games with immigration; and start securing our borders. Thank you for listening.

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