Mr. President. my reason for suggesting the absence of a quorum was that Senators might know what was taking place on the floor of the Senate. I have no illusions about the degree of interest which exists. unfortunately. in the Senate at this time with respect to immigration legislation. This may be a chronic condition. I hope very much it is not. but it may be. Anyone who feels strongly on the questionand I do. and I believe other Senators dohowever he may vote on this particular conference report. sees the picture very clearly. About a year ago we had precisely the same situation. I took occasion to denounce it on the floor of the Senate. stating that the reason we do not have an opportunity to seek to amend the immigration in a substantial way. in the way it should be amended. without leaving undone the enormous number of things which in the interest of our country and our own position in the world we should do. is precisely that year after year we accept what I think is properly called shotgun legislation on immigration. At the very end of the session there is brought in some sort of bill which satisfies some persons. does some things which need to be done. but does them on a "take it or leave it" basis. on a basis of "If you dont like this. you cant get anything else". and. in a sense. it is crossruffed between the House and the Senate. so that regardless of whether the proposal comes from the Senate or from the other body. both Houses are faced with it. Last year. under exactly the same conditions.
Keywords matched
immigration