Speech #980210313

I think what we have is a fair bill. and a very fair rule. We see a rule that was put together with such meticulous detail that it is far better than any rule that I have seen or any fairer than any rule that I have seen since I have been here in Congress. I do. not believe that there are any new ideas on immigration that have not been discussed by the Judiciary Committec and that have not been discussed by the Rules Committee or is in some way not represented in this particular rule. I think we have to be very clear and very fair with ourselves: A vote against this rule is a vote against immigration reform for this country. Let there be no mistake about it. this rule is the only vehicle that the 98th Congress is going to have to come to the floor with an immigration bill. This bill is fair. it is fair to the present generation of Americans. and more importantly. it is fair to the future generation of Americans. These poor. illegal aliens reach our shore. I can assure you. with a better knowledge of existing immigration law than the average Member of Congress has. Our laws are so full of loopholes and in such terrible need of reform. that this 98th Congress is going to have only one chance. and one chance only. to change that law. That chance is going to be by passage of this rule. paying attention to debate and the amendments coming before this body. and then. hopefully. the passage of a fair immigration law for this country.