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Democrats stood on the east steps to the Capitol in snowy conditions to tag Republicans to make the next move in the ongoing political maneuvering over immigration reform.

On Wednesday, Democrats resorted to what amounts to filing a petition and gathering enough signatures to force House leadership to schedule a vote on a Democrat-sponsored version of the immigration reform bill passed by the Senate in June.

There is little expectation their maneuver will work, but it has become a tactic for Democrats wanting to highlight before November's midterm elections what they say is GOP obstinance on important legislative issues.

So, despite freezing temperatures and biting winds, Democratic members and their allies stood outside the House to demand that House Speaker John Boehner put immigration reform to a vote.

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We are here to say the time is now. We cannot continue to be out of touch with America. It is time for you to put country before politics, said California Rep. Xavier Becerra, House Democratic Caucus chairman, who was coatless.

As some spoke, light snow flurries and wind kicked up, whipping the small American flags some waved and creating an apt backdrop to the cold shoulder Democrats said Republicans are giving families separated by deportations.

For nine months weve waited. Weve given them time. Weve heard the excuses. Weve braved the weather, yet here we sit, said Rep. Joe Garcia, D-Fla., who is the chief sponsor of the Democrats comprehensive immigration reform bill, HR15. The bill is similar to one passed by the Senate last June.

The House rules require a majority of signatures on the petition, meaning Democrats need some Republican signatures, a requirement few expect to be reached.

For nine months weve waited. Weve given them time. Weve heard the excuses. Weve braved the weather, yet here we sit, said Rep. Joe Garcia, D-Fla.

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Democrats Thrust Immigration Reform Back on GOP Agenda