Speaker. I rise today to express my strong opposition to H.R. 45. Like the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. we are once again setting Federal policy and forcing State and local governments to carry the burden of the program costs. H.R. 45 does not address the immigration crisis that is currently plaguing my home State of Florida. This is a shortsighted solution to a problem that will increase tenfold in the next year. In response to the gentleman from Texas regarding H.R. 45. CBO states "In general. the nationals would be ineligible for Federal public assistance but would receive State and local public assistance." CBO also estimates that the cost of H.R. 45 to State and local governments will be $35 to $70 million in fiscal year 1990. and between $75 and $150 million in 1991 and 1992. Our current immigration program has cost Florida an estimated $20 million over the past 12 months. I ask Members. why are we once again setting a Federal policy without supplying State and local governments the Federal money needed to fund the policy? I will not support legislation that will literally start to bankrupt the State of Florida.
Keywords matched
Immigration immigration