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US Rep. Luis Gutierrez Addresses DNC, Party Unity


U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Chicago spoke Monday evening at the Democratic National Convention.

“It was really a great honor and a privilege to be able to address my party and to be able to address the nation,” he said. “When I came to Congress, I had many issues that I had to deal and grapple with as a new freshman member of Congress. I decided to give a lot of focus to immigration and immigration reform.

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“And it’s really thrilling to me and very humbling to me see that my party has embraced comprehensive immigration reform as a key central issue that is going to unite America, make America a healthier, a safer place and you know what a place with more justice and more fairness,” he added. “Little kids shouldn’t fear being ripped from the arms of their moms and dads.” 

Even though Bernie Sanders supporters booed Sanders himself when he tried to rally his supporters around Clinton, Gutierrez believes the party will come together.

“When I said keep your hands off Planned Parenthood, they cheered. When we said we’re going to take on the NRA, they cheered. When I talked about marriage equality and loving who you want to love and marrying who you choose in America, when we talked about gun violence on our streets, people cheered,” Gutierrez said of Sanders supporters.

“Those are the issues that are bringing people together,” he added. “People are coming together. Give it a few more days, we’re gonna come out of here strong.”

Watch his speech below.


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