Speech #980140235

Mr. Speaker. I find it deplorable that the Speaker would prevent the SimpsonMazzoli immigration reform bill from coming to a vote on the floor of the House. To do so clearly makes a mockery of the democratic process. and we all know that there is a very strong constituency for immigration reform and we have learned in poll after poll that most Americans from all walks of life and from all ethnic backgrounds strongly support the efforts for immigration reform. Let me give you a couple of examples. The national Terrence Hart poll. which was taken very recently. shows that the Hispanic and the black communities who were polled and asked to indicate whether or not they favored some type of legal sanctions against employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens responded in the affirmative by about a twothirds margin. Both groups also favor increased funding for border enforcement. In fact. because support of this bill is so broad and because it is so widely known that there is broad support. I find it difficult to imagine how our Speaker can sincerely say that there is no constituency for the bill. Mr. Speaker. many of us have problems with one or another provisions of the immigration reform bill. but I think we all agree that America needs immigration reform. and for the House leadership to prevent the bill from coming to the floor does a disservice to all Americans.