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KNPR State of Nevada

Nevada Republican Congressman Joe Heck released a statement today in reaction to news reports that the House will not vote on Immigration reform this year.

LAS VEGAS — Nevada Republican Congressman Joe Heck released a statement Friday criticizing his own party leadership for seeming to bury immigration reform legislation. There have been various news reports saying House Republicans will not vote on an immigration bill this year.

In his statement, Rep. Heck said it is extremely frustrating and disappointing to hear the House may not vote on immigration legislation this year.

"There are bills that have passed Committee that could be brought to the floor next week, but the House Republican leadership may punt the issue until 2014 for political reasons. That's very disappointing," Heck said. "The American people, and my constituents, expect us to tackle these important issues, come together, and get something done for the good of the country. It's just a shame that won't happen this year.”

Heck represents a swing district in Las Vegas. A recent poll in his district shows 40 percent of voters would favor Heck more if he was part of passing immigration reform, while 24 percent reported they would favor him less.

Local immigration advocates have been calling on Heck to step up to the plate and speak out on the urgency of reform. Some community leaders in Las Vegas are already applauding Heck for his words. But they are asking him to take the next step and back the immigration reform bill House Democrats introduced in early October. The bill is similar to the one the Senate passed in June, but with less emphasis on border security measures.

Earlier this month another Nevada Congressman, Democrat Steven Horsford, announced a new immigration bill that he helped author. But it had no Republican support and the bill has not moved out of committee.

Heck and Republican Congressman Mark Amodei of Nevada have said they are working on their own proposals for a bill. But nothing further has been heard beyond that from either representative.

Today, the New York Times reported that 2012 Congressional nominee from Nevada, Republican Danny Tarkanian, will join a conservative coalition in Washington next week to pressure House Republicans to pass an immigration bill.