Speech #980212056

I believe that we would be going backward if this is not adopted. and I would place the responsibility on the Democrats of this House if this language remains. This House is in control of the Democrats and it will be the responsibility of the Democrats to see to it that America is not saddled with this kind of legislation. The Democratic Party. in this instance. must assume the responsibility of being sure that such a system is not put in place. or even take the chance that under this language such a system is in danger of being placed as part of the policy of immigration all under socalled immigration reform. I sincerely hope that we will defend the right of Americans. Consider please the freedom we have in this Nation. Let us not enslave ourselves by placing around our necks an identification card. Let us do everything we possibly can to protect our liberties under the Constitution. and I think that can be done if we delete this language. and adopt this amendment. Above all. it will give the committee an opportunity to sit down with the Senate with a clear slate and not have to compromise to an open door policy. and that open door is the language in the bill at the present time. May I again repeat that we have had votes here that are most important. But in this instance I would place the responsibility for this vote on every Democrat in the House of Representatives as well as on those who would defend the liberty and the freedom of the individual on the other side of the aisle.