Speech #980221057

Mr. Speaker. it is with deep regret that I will be unable to register my "no" vote on the final passage of the SimpsonMazzoli Immigration Reform and Control Act later this afternoon. My presence is required on a very important matter in my home State of Texas. As I have stated throughout this debate and in the past. I firmly believe that it is unconscionable for us to enact any piece of legislation that fails to ensure the Nations civil liberties and in fact. only serves to foster and perpetuate discrimination. While the existence of an illegal immigration problem in this country is almost unanimously accepted. the myths regarding illegal immigrants and their economic impact that have surfaced give evidence to the fact that few have addressed the true nature of the problem. Until a full understanding of this problem is achieved. a just. nondiscriminatory immigration reform bill cannot be formed. The root causes of illegal immigration are not addressed by the SimpsonMazzoli bill. the debate preceding the vote on the bills final passage clearly indicated the necessity for further exploration of the alternatives at hand. My Houston and Washington offices have received numerous calls. letters. and telegrams expressing sincere concern for illegal immigrants and those affected by their presence in this country. However. the majority agreed that while there does exist a problem that needs to be addressed. the SimpsonMazzoli bill is not the solution. I. too. agree that there is a problem that must be addressed as soon as possible. but the problem must be addressed with compassion and justice. the SimpsonMazzoli bill does neither.*