I am first-generation American born. My parents came to the United States to make a better life and pursue opportunities not possible anywhere else in the world. For me, the topic of immigration is a personal one.

For millions of immigrants, the United States is that “shining city on the hill.” Our nation’s leadership on the world stage is a product of the world’s best and brightest wanting to come here to work, create, innovate and build the future. The tradition of American entrepreneurship has a well-earned global reputation.

To preserve our nation’s leadership, the Senate recently passed bipartisan, common-sense immigration reforms. The bill, drafted by four Democrats and four Republicans, passed overwhelmingly by a 68-32 margin. These members of the Senate acted with a unity that is all too rare in today’s Washington politics.

Unfortunately, despite bipartisan support in the Senate, these common-sense reforms have stalled in the House. Our representatives have once again chosen the path of inaction. By their inaction, America’s leadership is being put at risk.

There are over 1 million unfilled positions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Without the labor force to fill these positions, the competitiveness of American firms is being jeopardized. As a high-tech entrepreneur on the front lines, I can tell you we are on the brink of a STEM labor crisis in this country. The Senate immigration bill streamlines the process for highly skilled and highly educated workers to receive temporary and permanent work visas.

By growing the labor force, the package of common-sense reforms in the Senate bill will have a significant, positive impact on our national economic picture. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the larger labor force and higher productivity of these reforms will increase real GDP by 3.3 percent over the next decade. The Social Security Administration estimates this growth would add another $300 billion to the trust during the same period. That growth will have a ripple effect throughout the entire economy.

While the Senate bill streamlines the process for legal immigration, it also introduces new work site enforcement and increased border security. It takes illegal immigration out of the shadows and makes sure that everyone is playing by the same rules.

Understanding the immigration bill, it’s easy to see why the Senate supported it 68-32. The failure of the House to act not only stalls the bill, but puts the brakes on our economic recovery.

Let the House know that a vote for immigration reform is a vote for economic growth—sign our petition today.

Det is an Entrepreneur in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. This article originally appeared as a Letter to the Editor in The Intelligencer.