Speech #980210320

I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me. Mr. Speaker. as perhaps one of the few members in this body who has actually practiced immigration law. and rather extensively. I want to say. for I do look forward to the debate itself and rise in support of this rule. I especially want to commend the Committee on Rules for a very outstanding job in preparing for the debate that we are having here today and for what I look forward to as a very comprehensive debate on the subJect itself. I particularly want to ask my colleagues to remember one thing: Very seldom in this House of Representatives do we ever take up great philosophical questions. and I think that the immigration reform bill which will be brought to the floor. I hope. after the passage of this rule. will in fact give us that opportunity to talk about what made this country great and what we must do to perpetuate this countrys opportunity for those who come legally and/or by other means. to our shores. Seldom have I been privileged to have the benefit of such a thorough effort in preparation of floor consideration of the very rule we have today.