I am frankly somewhat embarrassed. Mr. Chairman. the efforts of this Congress to bring about a comprehensive and balanced immigration reform should be congratulated. After more than 10 years of analysis. testimony. and negotiation. our Senate colleagues have forwarded a bill for House consideration. And. all five House Committees of jurisdiction have passed along a billwith reasonable modificationfor debate today. yet in this moment of glory. as we finally bring immigration reform to the floor. I cannot help but wonder. In this 11th hour of the 97th Congress. why are we faced with one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in our time? The SimpsonMazzoli Immigration Reform Act. should it achieve final passage. will long remain a testament of our actions today. The last reform of its magnitude was adopted over 30 years ago. This is a thoughtprovoking notion. because. each and every one of us here todaylameduck Member or reelected colleaguewill be accountable for a national policy which will endure long into the 21st century.
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