Speech #970037682

In the process of reviewing the authorization request. each of the subcommittees of the Committee on the Judiciary which has jurisdiction over the various units within the Department of Justice held oversight and authorization hearings. The committee had the benefit of all of these subcommittee recommendations when marking up the bill. The full committee agreed to authorize each of the units within the Department at the administrations requested levels except for the Immigration and Naturalization Service. the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Attorneys. Marshals. and Trustees. The INS authorization level is approximately $25.2 million higher than the administration request. This additional authorization is provided for sorely needed inspection. border patrol. and investigation positions. Because of the tremendous influx of immigrants into the United States. the committee determined this level of authorization to be the absolute minimum necessary to perform adequately the functions assigned to it under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The committee is convinced that the adoption of the cuts proposed by the administration would have a detrimental effect on the enforcement and public service capabilities of the INS. It also feels that the INS is experiencing great difficulties in meeting its current responsibilities.