(Washington, DC) – The National Restaurant Association today expressed disappointment after the Senate failed to move forward on the bipartisan comprehensive immigration bill, but urged Republicans and Democrats to resume work on an agreement that will allow the Senate to act on much needed reform.

“While it is discouraging that the Senate was not able to move ahead with immigration reform, we remain optimistic that leaders in both parties will resume debate in the near future and complete work on the legislation. Much progress has been made on the bill, and therefore we must not give up now,” said Peter Kilgore, Association acting interim president and chief executive officer. “It is encouraging to know that both Congress and the President understand the urgent need for reform. The National Restaurant Association will continue to strongly advocate for workable reform — our economy and national security are depending on it.”

The National Restaurant Association has been extremely active in the effort to achieve comprehensive immigration reform, serving as co-chair of the Essential Worker Immigration Coalition, which includes more than 40 national businesses and trade associations seeking reform of America’s broken immigration system. For more information, please visit the EWIC website at: www.ewic.org.