Speech #980210759

Mr. Speaker. today the House of Representatives begins debate on one of the most significant bills that will come before this body during the 98th Congress. Debate on the Immigration Reform and Control Act is long overdue. Legal and illegal immigration accounts for nearly 50 percent of U.S population growth. with anywhere from 500.000 to 1.000.000 aliens migrating to the United States yearly. The current situation with respect to illegal aliens cannot be allowed to continue. While no bill is a cureall. and the SimpsonMazzoli bill has its problems and controversy. those are not excuses for further delay on responsible debate. As this body begins debate on H.R. 1510. this Member wishes to share with his colleagues the following recent editorials that appeared in the New York Times and Washington Post. [From the New York Times]