Speech #970275128

Mr. Speaker. every Member knows that we need to have immigration reform. In fact. we had 5 hours of general debate on the socalled MazzoliSimpson immigration reform bill. Unfortunately. we had it very late at night. with only 17 to 20 Members who may have heard that general debate. Over 400 Members were not present to see. hear. and participate in this very late hour session. This is not the way to enact major. landmark legislation overhauling the immigration system. From the U.S. Chamber and the business community on the one side to every minority group and organized labor on the other side. all share strong opposition to parts of this legislation without significant amendments. There are 297 amendments printed in the RECORD to be considered. I urge the leadership to take this bill. shelve it. and let us consider major immigration legislation in the 98th Congress. not in this lameduck. late hour. weekend session when the attention of Members is elsewhere on major legislation to continue Government funding. and certainly not on this immigration bill. 0l 1030